Working Alongside Your Body Corporate Manager for Greater Results

If you are a part of a community living in a strata property, you must have heard about Body Corporate Managers. They are responsible for the smooth running of the property and are expected to handle a range of tasks, from maintenance to finances. However, what many people may not fully understand is that Body Corporate Managers are not the only ones responsible for the success of a strata property, it is a team effort between residents, lot owners, and committee members alike. As a lot owner, or in some states of Australia, even as a resident, you have an equally important role to play, and working alongside your Body Corporate Manager can lead to greater results for the strata community. Here are some tips and advice on how you can collaborate with your strata manager to create a more harmonious and efficient strata living environment. And also how your Owners Committee works alongside your Body Corporate Manager.

Understanding the Role of a Body Corporate Manager

A body corporate manager is an essential part of managing a strata-titled property or a multi-unit development. The roles within body corporate management involve a range of responsibilities that are crucial to ensuring the smooth running of the property and maintaining the value of the assets, as follows:

• Overseeing the maintenance of the property - The primary role of a body corporate manager is to oversee the common areas of a property, which may includes the building exterior, driveways, gardens, and amenities like swimming pools or gyms. They are delegated with the responsibility to ensure that these areas are well-maintained, safe, and secure for all residents and visitors.
• Managing the administrative tasks and compliance - In addition to managing the physical aspects of the property, a body corporate manager is also responsible for handling administrative tasks such as managing the budget and finances, preparing financial statements, and organising meetings such as annual general meetings. Strata managers must ensure that the building complies with all relevant legal regulations and keeps an accurate record of all expenses and income. Their services include setting up budget plans, processing payments and invoices, preparing financial reports, and providing advice on legal issues. With their experience in the field, they ensure that all legal regulations and financial requirements are met, and that all expenses and income are recorded accurately.
• Liaising with owners and committee members - A body corporate manager acts as a liaison between the owners and the strata committee. They provide advice on matters relating to property management, with a focus on facilitating communication channels efficiently. Additionally, they make sure that all owners and tenants are duly informed about crucial matters and decisions that could have an impact on the premises.

Overall, the role of a body corporate manager is essential in maintaining the value and functionality of strata-titled properties. With their expertise, knowledge, and experience, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the property is managed efficiently and effectively, providing a comfortable and secure living environment for all residents.

Establishing Effective Communication with your Body Corporate Manager

As a lot owner, establishing effective communication with your body corporate manager is essential to ensure that your concerns are heard, and issues are addressed promptly. Here are some tips to developing an open and transparent dialogue with your body corporate manager:

• Attend meetings - Making the time to attend strata meetings/annual general meetings (AGMs) to discuss issues, ask questions, and provide feedback is a great way to build those important relationships in your body corporate. It will give you an opportunity to engage with your body corporate manager, your fellow lot owners and members of the strata committee.
• Communicate in writing - If you have concerns or queries, communicate with your body corporate manager in writing, via email or letter. This will help ensure that your requests or concerns are more accurately understood, clearly communicated where necessary to your committee, and will also provide a record of your requests or concerns.
• Be specific - When communicating your concerns, be specific and provide as much detail as possible. This will help your body corporate manager understand the issue and provide an appropriate response.
• Follow up - If you do not receive a response from your body corporate manager within a reasonable time frame, follow up with a polite reminder. This will help ensure that your concerns are not overlooked.
• Be respectful - When communicating with your body corporate manager, be respectful and professional. Avoid using offensive language or making personal attacks. Remember that your body corporate manager is there to help you and the other members of the strata community.
• Provide feedback - If your body corporate manager has addressed your concerns, provide feedback on the outcome. This will help your body corporate manager understand what is working well and what could be improved.

By establishing effective communication with your body corporate manager, you can help ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly and that your property is well-managed.

How do the Owners Committee and its Members work alongside the Body Corporate Manager to achieve greater results?

The Owners Committee, which is elected by the owners of the strata-titled units, is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the owners and implementing policies and procedures for the effective management of the complex. The Body Corporate Manager is appointed by the Owners Committee and/or Owners Corporation and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the scheme, including the collection of levies, overseeing maintenance and repairs, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

Working collaboratively, the Owners Committee and its Members can work alongside the Body Corporate Manager to achieve greater results for the property and the owners.

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities: To avoid confusion and ensure effective communication, it is important to clearly define and understand the roles and responsibilities of the owners committee and the body corporate manager. This can help to avoid overlap and duplication of effort and ensure that each party is working towards a common goal.
• Regular meetings and communication: The Owners Committee and the Body Corporate Manager should maintain regular communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Regular meetings should be held to discuss ongoing issues, upcoming projects, and any other matters that require attention.
• Joint decision-making: They should work together to equip the Owners Committee to make decisions that are in the best interests of the property and the owners/residents. Joint decision-making can help to ensure that all perspectives are considered and that decisions are well-informed and effective.
• Utilising the Body Corporate Manager's expertise: The Body Corporate Manager has expertise in managing strata-titled properties and can provide valuable advice and support to the Owners Committee and its Members. By utilising the body corporate manager's expertise, the owners committee can make informed decisions and implement best practices to manage the property effectively.
• Regular review and assessment: The Owners Committee and the Body Corporate Manager should regularly review and assess the performance of the property and identify areas for improvement. This can help to identify potential issues before they become major problems and ensure that the property is operating at peak efficiency.

Ace Body Corporate Management is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service for body corporate management. We want each of our customers to feel secure in the knowledge that we will meet their needs and expectations, with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. Our specialised body corporate management services are designed with your convenience and satisfaction in mind so that you can rest assured that your body corporate needs will be met with professionalism and care. Contact us today.