How a Professional Strata Manager Helps a Strata Scheme Thrive
Strata living offers many benefits shared amenities, community connections, and collective decision-making. But it also comes with complexity. Managing finances, organising maintenance, and ensuring compliance with legislation can be daunting for volunteer committees. This is where a professional strata manager adds real value.
A professional strata manager is not just an administrator. They act as an advisor, coordinator, and compliance partner providing systems and expertise that help a scheme run smoothly. While the owners corporation / body corporate / strata company (the name varies by state) is always the final decision-maker, a professional manager gives the committee the tools and advice to make informed choices, ensuring the scheme is both legally compliant and well-maintained.
Financial Stewardship and Transparency
Every strata & community scheme relies on sound financial management.
A professional strata manager assists by:
Preparing annual budgets and levy schedules.
Managing accounts payable and receivable.
Keeping funds properly allocated between day-to-day expenses (administrative fund / body corporate fund) and long-term savings (capital works fund / sinking fund / reserve fund, depending on state law).
Producing regular and transparent financial reports for all owners.
This helps prevent budget shortfalls, supports long-term capital planning, and ultimately protects the property value of every lot.
Efficient Governance and Meetings
Each state has legislation setting out how meetings must be run for example, the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (QLD), Owners Corporations Act 2006 (VIC), and equivalent laws elsewhere.
A professional strata manager guides the committee through these requirements by:
Preparing and distributing compliant meeting notices.
Recording accurate minutes.
Advising on quorums, voting rights, and statutory deadlines.
Importantly, the owners corporation or body corporate remains the decision-making authority, while the manager ensures those decisions are valid and properly executed.
Maintenance and Contractor Coordination
Strata managers do not undertake repairs themselves, but they coordinate them. Their responsibilities usually include:
Arranging routine cleaning and maintenance.
Organising urgent or emergency repairs of common property.
Engaging only suitably licensed and insured contractors.
Because many managers have access to trusted networks of trades and service providers, they can help schemes save both time and money while ensuring work is completed to a professional standard.
Compliance and Risk Management
Strata & community title law varies across Australia, but compliance is a constant. Professional strata managers assist schemes by:
Advising schemes on their obligations under state law and by-laws.
Arranging statutory insurance such as building and public liability cover.
Coordinating fire safety checks, asbestos registers, and workplace health and safety requirements for common property.
Referencing external legal or technical specialists when needed.
Their proactive role doesn’t replace legal advice or government authorities, but they are there to help committees stay ahead of risks, avoid penalties, and protect owners’ collective interests.
Promoting Community and Harmony
Living in close quarters can sometimes lead to friction.
A strata manager contributes to a positive community by:
Acting as an impartial point of contact.
Encouraging transparent communication.
Helping committees and owners resolve misunderstandings before they escalate.
Where disputes require formal resolution, strata managers guide owners to the right body for example, NCAT or Fair Trading (NSW), VCAT (VIC), Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management (QLD), or the relevant state/territory tribunal.
Standards and Professional Accountability
Across Australia, strata managers are supported and regulated by a mix of licensing laws and professional bodies:
Strata Community Association is the peak national body for strata managers, with accreditation standards, training, and a code of ethics.
Government Regulators licensing requirements differ nationally:
NSW: Strata managers must hold a Class 1 or 2 licence under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.
QLD: Body Corporate managers are not formally licensed (yet) but are subject to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997.
VIC: Professional managers must be registered under the Owners Corporations Act 2006.
WA: Regulated by the Strata Titles Amendment Act 2018, overseen by Consumer Protection WA.
Other states and territories have similar frameworks.
Choosing a manager who is licensed (where required) and a member of SCA provides strong assurance of professionalism and accountability.
Conclusion
A thriving strata scheme requires more than just a volunteer committee it needs robust systems and compliance oversight. A professional strata manager:
Provides financial stewardship and transparent reporting.
Ensures governance and meeting procedures meet legislative standards.
Coordinates trusted contractors for maintenance and repairs.
Guides committees through compliance and risk management obligations.
Supports communication and harmony within the community.
By engaging a licensed and accredited strata manager, schemes right across Australia move beyond basic administration and establish a solid foundation for long-term success protecting both residents’ investments and their quality of life.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction