Strata Managers vs Building Managers: Who should I call?
If you own an apartment in a strata scheme, you’ve probably heard the terms strata manager and building manager thrown around. While both roles are essential for keeping your building running smoothly, they handle very different aspects of property management. Understanding the difference can help you know who to contact when issues arise and ensure you get the best out of your strata services.
What does a Strata Manager do?
Your strata manager is responsible for the administrative and financial side of your strata scheme. They’re appointed by the owners’ corporation and make sure everything is legally compliant and financially sound. Their responsibilities include:
Managing financial accounts, including budgets and levies
Organising and running strata meetings
Ensuring compliance with strata legislation
Coordinating repairs and maintenance by hiring external contractors
Handling disputes between owners and residents
Keeping track of all strata-related documents
Your strata manager keeps the scheme legally and financially in check, working with the strata committee to make key decisions.
What does a Building Manager do?
A building manager, sometimes called a facilities manager or caretaker, is hands-on in the day-to-day upkeep of the building. Unlike the strata manager, who focuses on administration and finances, the building manager ensures your building is well-maintained and functional. Their duties often include:
Carrying out routine maintenance and inspections
Overseeing cleaning, security, and landscaping services
Responding to maintenance issues and arranging repairs
Enforcing by-laws and ensuring resident safety
Monitoring and maintaining building systems like lighting, plumbing, and elevators
If you notice a leak in a common area, a broken lift, or an issue with security, your building manager is the best person to contact.
How this affects you…
As an apartment owner, knowing the difference between a strata manager and a building manager helps you get issues sorted faster. If you have a financial or legal question—like concerns about levies or strata by-laws—your strata manager is the best person to talk to. If you have a leaking tap in a common area or the garbage room isn’t being cleaned, your building manager should be your first point of contact.
For larger strata schemes, both roles are crucial in ensuring everything runs smoothly. Strata managers handle the big-picture financial and legal aspects, while building managers take care of the everyday maintenance that keeps the property liveable.
Owning an apartment in a strata scheme means relying on both a strata manager and a building manager to keep things running well. Understanding their responsibilities makes it easier to know who to contact when you need help, and it ensures that your building remains well-managed, compliant, and in great condition.