Strata Meetings 101: What Are They, and Do I Really Have to Go?

If you own an apartment, townhouse, or villa in a strata scheme, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the infamous strata meeting. Maybe you’ve even received a politely worded notice inviting (or is it summoning?) you to an Annual General Meeting (AGM).  

“What on earth goes on in these meetings?” you wonder.  

“Do I really have to attend?”  

Let’s take a stroll through the wild world of strata meetings why they matter, what happens, and why your opinion counts. 

What is a Strata Meeting Anyway? 

A strata meeting is where the people who own lots (units or apartments) in a complex get together to make decisions about shared property the gardens, the hallways, the roof, and, yes, who left their bicycle in the foyer again. Strata meetings are at the heart of how a strata scheme runs. Whether it’s dealing with finances, repairs, renovations, or disputes about laundry on balconies, these meetings are where the magic (or the drama) happens. 

Types of Strata Meetings 

• Annual General Meeting (AGM): This is the big one the annual summit where owners set the shared budget, vote on essential maintenance, choose who will be on the committee (think “Strata Survivor” but slightly more stressful), update insurance, and address safety issues. You’ll also elect or re-elect the team managing the building for the coming year. Every owner’s voice matters missing an AGM can mean missing out on decisions that affect your fees or your home! 

• General Meetings: These are held when something urgent or important can’t wait until the next AGM. Perhaps a by-law needs to be changed, or an emergency repair is required. If you want to call a general meeting, enough owners (usually holding at least 25% of the total votes) can demand one. Otherwise ask the Secretary…..nicely. 

• Strata Committee Meetings: These focus on the everyday running of the building think budgets, maintenance, and minor disputes. All owners can attend these meetings, though only committee members get a vote. 

Why Bother Attending? 

While no one’s going to drag you out of bed for an early-morning strata meeting, skipping them can leave you powerless over decisions that affect your home, your hip pocket, and your happiness.  

Here’s why you really should go: 

1. Have Your Say: Only those who show up get a voice on everything from renovations to replacing security lights (or lobbying for your long-standing desire to paint the building bright orange). 

1. Protect Your Investment: You get oversight on the scheme’s finances, how levies are set, and what your money is being spent on. Hidden leaks and surprise special levies are much less fun than they sound. Remember that levies are not a bill from your Strata Manager they are your share of maintaining and running your home or investment. 

1. Raise Concerns: If the gardening contractor’s idea of “pruning” is to mow everything flat, the meeting is the place to voice it and get action. 

1. Build Community: It’s not all drama, strata meetings are a chance to meet neighbours, solve issues before they escalate, and foster a sense of community spirit (plus, sometimes there’s a cake). 

1. Influence by-laws: Want to allow dedicated a rock band rehearsal space in the visitor car spaces? Oppose installation of an Olympic-sized trampoline on the roof? Only owners at the meeting get a real say. 

How Strata Meetings Work 

Meetings are usually called by the secretary or strata manager, with an agenda sent out in advance so you know what’s up for discussion (and whether you need to brush up on building insurance jargon). At the meeting, items are discussed and voted on: one lot, one vote (although larger properties sometimes weight votes by unit entitlements). If you can’t attend, you can usually nominate a proxy. 

Is Attendance Compulsory? 

Nobody will arrest you for missing a strata meeting, but you may miss out on vital decisions, end up paying for things you didn’t expect, or miss the chance to nip annoyances in the bud. Think of it as like voting in an election; if you don’t show up, you can’t complain about the results. 

So next time that strata meeting notice slides into your mailbox or email, don’t groan, grab a notepad (and maybe some snacks or lollies to share) and get involved. Your home and your community will thank you. And remember to be nice. 

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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