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Strata are as simple as they are complex. Their simplicity stems from the fact that they are single entities with a consolidated purpose that is easily defined. Conversely, the complexity of strata stems from their characteristics as focal points where the aspirations and expectations of members of the body corporate converge before they are whittled down to a suitable product.
Body corporates form the authority under which the strata runs. However, they can present complications that affect this operation. At the top of the list is the lack of expertise to manage a strata effectively. In addition, members of an owners corporation may not have the time to certify that the strata’s needs are adequately met. Mitigating this shortcoming is imperative, hence the need to take on a strata manager.
Strata management services are professional administrators who work with and on behalf of owners’ corporations to oversee a living community. Strata managers are hired by the body corporate; thus, they report to the organisation on all pertinent matters. Since the body corporate’s needs primarily determine a manager’s job description, there can be many expectations to meet.
In essence, a strata manager is mainly expected to fill an administrative role. Their duties in this position are classified into three main categories:
Financial Management
Responsibilities in this domain include:
- Managing regular invoice payments made on the body corporate’s behalf.
- Creating annual budgets and other levy options under the guidance of the owners’ corporation. When a budget is complete, it must be approved by the body corporate before the manager can implement it.
- Preparing invoice statements to be reviewed by the body corporate.
- Obtaining appropriate quotations for maintenance work, external vendors and insurance policies.
- Observing that the strata’s financial obligations are met on time.
Social Oversight
Beyond the owners’ corporation, strata managers must also cater to some aspects of the living community as a whole. For example:
- They ensure that the strata’s by-laws have been communicated to all residents.
- They act as mediators in case of disputes.
- They make sure that the strata remains compliant at all times. Any concerns regarding this matter are presented to the owners’ committee for resolution.
Administrative Obligations
Governance is a critical cog in the strata machine. The person responsible must handle it well as it can make or break the living community as a whole. A manager’s responsibilities in this division are:
- Undertaking office administration to form a central management hub.
- Coordinating property management and maintenance with the owners and maintenance providers.
- Keeping any and all relevant records concerning the strata, including financial indexes, a register of the owners and maintenance records, among others.
- Acting as chairperson if called upon to do so during general meetings.
- Issuing memos and reminders for meetings to the owners.
- Overseeing the daily maintenance of the common properties.
- Ordering any needed repair work.
In conclusion, you may expect your strata manager to be a nucleus around which the strata operates. Organisation, promptness and professionalism while remaining upbeat and eager are just a few of the traits endemic to the ideal strata manager. A good manager will make life within the strata community simple and enjoyable. They will see that the day-to-day strata operations are managed thoroughly yet efficiently to keep the atmosphere pleasant to live within.
The success of a strata and its corresponding owners’ corporation is reflected in their choice of a strata manager. Ensure you have selected only the best by becoming familiar with what to expect from a strata manager before opening the position to applicants. The ideal candidate will have no problem rising to the occasion to make your strata an example to be followed.
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