Whilst living in a Community Title scheme, you may come across different parties who undertake various roles for owners within a scheme. It is often that owners get these roles confused. Although the roles seem similar, the difference between the roles is rather significant. It can often be unclear who is responsible for which aspect of managing various areas of the building which can lead to many disputes and delays.
Whilst a Body Corporate Manager works on behalf of all Owners to undertake administrative duties for the common property, a property manager works on behalf of an individual Lot owner. In addition to this, if your scheme has a building manager or caretaker, they will generally be responsible for the maintenance of the common areas and the day-to-day operation of the facilities.
It is important to note the key responsibilities of each role.
Duties of a Body Corporate Manager
- Preparing the budget
- Keeping records of financial and non-financial accounts and statements
- Ensuring compliance with WHS, fire safety and any other applicable legislation
- Preparing and managing insurance claims
- Issuing and collecting levies
- Providing advice on strata legislation
- Assisting committees with the coordination of maintenance under their instruction
- Body Corporate Managers are not on-site
- Attending, chairing and conducting meetings
- Preparing agendas
- Managing correspondence
- Facilitating payments to tradespeople
- Encouraging harmonious living within the scheme by acting as a peacemaker, mediator and problem-solver
Duties of a Property Manager
- Advertising and filling vacancies for lots
- Preparing and negotiating leases
- Collecting rental payments
- Regularly inspecting the unit to make sure it’s being well-kept
- Investigating and resolving tenant complaints, enforcing rules of occupancy, inspecting vacant units and completing repairs for individual units
- Attends to maintenance services and supervising repairs for the individual lot and not common property
Duties of a Building Manager/Caretaker
- Supervise various contractors and suppliers carrying out repairs, maintenance and capital works for the body corporate
- Building Maintenance – Generally Gardening, Cleaning and various other tasks depending on the management agreement
- Day-to-day administrative tasks of the building
- Policing by-laws
- Issuing keys
- Will often act as property managers for various lots
- Reporting to the committee
- Will be onsite at various times
All of the above roles work in conjunction with each other, however, It is important to note the key differences between the roles to avoid conflicts and disputes and to ensure your issue is being referred to the correct managing party.
Body Corporate Owners and Committee Guide