Strata Community Association (SCA) developed a Strata Management Practice Standard (SMPS), which Strata Management businesses who are SCA members are able to submit to in order to highlight their professional standing in the strata and community management industry.
A voluntary practice standard, the SMPS is for strata community management businesses, in relation to their own internal procedures as well as contractual relationships with strata communities.
Through an independent audited process, the SMPS recognises businesses that have developed and adhered to their documented internal processes. These are implemented to ensure best practice with regards to trying to improve client satisfaction and also to ensure proper internal business processes.
At the writing of this, only 15 Strata and Community Companies in Australia have committed to and subjected their business to the audit process and become Certified SMPS Strata management businesses.
Stratarama are very pleased to be a leader in this area, becoming the first (and to date, only) SMPS Certified Strata and Community Management Business servicing South Australian Strata and community titled properties.
We believe that along with maintaining our internal systems, processes and guides, by choosing to have these audited by third party auditors, as arranged by the Strata Community Association (SCA), we are able to provide confidence to our clients and those who may be seeking a change in management. Submitting to meet this certification highlights our commitment to be transparent and ethical in all our dealings both with our clients and also our team.
SMPS Certification we believe offers:
peace of mind for existing and prospective clients knowing the business’s policies, procedures and accounts are audited annually
a beneficial training tool for employees, providing employee certainty and promotes retention of our team
provides a point of difference
In 2023, Stratarama were also the first South Australian Business to take the Respect Pledge. The SMPS certification and the commitment to the SCA respect pledge are just some ways in which Stratarama aim to show our commitment to clients and delivering upon our standards.
That’s the only job batteries owe us: to provide modern humans with the convenience of electricity in a handy, portable form. The only problem is that most batteries run flat quickly, and you must discard them if you don’t have a specialized charger.
This culture leads to billions of disposable batteries being thrown away yearly. A habit that’s equally hard on your pocket and bad for our environment.
One common solution being taken up routinely is the use of rechargeable (Lithium) battery! A lithium battery is like a rechargeable water tank for your electronics. It holds a special type of liquid that stores lots of energy and releases it slowly to power your devices.
This liquid uses lithium metal, which makes these batteries so powerful and compact. They power everything from electric cars to computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. In particular you will see such batteries in items such as Portable Scooters. Unfortunately, this comes with significant risks, particular for Fire, especially if left on charge, or poor quality/ cheap batteries are being charged.
In recent times there has been many incidents of such batteries causing damage to people or property. In April 2024 an e-scooter battery fire erupted at the Oaks Embassy involving creating significant damage not just from the fire, but also the water from the sprinkler systems in the apartments. See the below links to the story:
While generally safe under normal use, lithium-ion batteries can overheat and ignite under certain conditions. These fires can be intense, releasing toxic fumes and seriously threatening your property and safety.
Several factors can contribute to the risk of a lithium battery fire; however, four instances are stated below.
Overheating or Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to direct sunlight, heat sources, or even storing them in a hot car can elevate temperatures dangerously, increasing the risk of fire.
Overcharging or Faulty Chargers
Using incompatible chargers or leaving batteries plugged in after they’re full can lead to overcharging, another significant fire hazard.
Physical Damage
Punctures, crushing, or bending of the battery can cause internal damage and trigger a fire [2, 3]. You want to avoid this scenario.
Manufacturing Defects
Faulty batteries can malfunction and overheat even under normal use. While not common, it is also an issue.
These risks above (i.e., mechanical, electrical, and thermal abuse) lead to what is known as a “Thermal Runaway.” The event occurs when a cell within the battery overheats, releasing energy that further heats surrounding cells.
The energy created leads to a dangerous chain reaction, i.e., several events triggered by the same initial event, escalating the fire’s intensity.
Safety Tips to Keep Lithium Battery Packs
Thankfully, here are a few actions you can practice to reduce the risk of having a lithium battery fire:
Use Approved Chargers Always use a certified replacement charger or the one supplied with your device.
Charge on Flat, Heat-Resistant Surfaces Avoid charging your devices on/near flammable surfaces (e.g., carpets, beds, cardboard, etc).
Don’t Leave Batteries Charging Unattended Avoid charging your devices overnight – if you can.
Store Batteries Properly Keep them in cool, dry locations away from heat sources and direct sunshine.
Invest in Safety Measures Install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors designed to put out lithium battery fires. They are crucial additions to your home safety plan.
Examine Batteries Regularly Inspect visually for damage, swelling, or leaks. If you observe these visual cues, dispose of damaged batteries appropriately (see below).
How you should Safely Dispose your Old Batteries
Lithium batteries should never be thrown in regular trash because incineration or improper disposal at landfills can damage them, increasing the fire risk [1]. Check with your local waste management authority for designated lithium battery recycling locations.
Note: even small batteries can cause significant damage.
Are these concerns real?
The concerns around these batteries is of such a concern that in 2023 the ACCC released a paper about it, which can be read here:
Researchers are constantly working on improving lithium battery safety.
This process includes developing more fire-resistant materials, improved battery safety circuits, and early warning systems to detect potential problems.
As our reliance on lithium batteries grows, so does the need for ongoing safety education and responsible practices.
By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, you can harness the power of lithium batteries without compromising your safety.
Insurances
It is important to note that even in the event that your property is adequately insured and has the correct levels of cover in place. No one wants the fall out from an insurance claim. Potentially higher excesses, high premiums as a result of the costs of the claim paid out resulting from fire and water damages (sprinklers/ Fire brigade). This talk about insurance doesn’t even take into consideration the real concerns which is of course the genuine risk of bodily harm or even loss of life that a fire can cause.
Two of the Insurers who regularly deal with Strata and Community Titled properties both in South Australia and Australia, CHU and SCI have both issued information about these batteries on their webpages. Both are referenced below for your reading:
Recently Tony Johnson of Stratarama was asked to attend and speak at a Finance Society’s First Home Buyers Seminar to provide information for those looking to purchase for the first time in a Strata or Community Titled property here in South Australia.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a First home buyer or anyone looking to purchase into a Community or Strata titled property in SA, its important to understand what you are purchasing and be aware in advance of placing an offer, that you are not entering into the purchase of a Torrens Titled property. The purchase you may be making comes with a variety of other rights and responsibilities. Any property purchased that has an element of common property should be reviewed.
To begin, with no matter which title you are purchasing, make sure you properly review and consider the documents compiled by the Conveyancers (and selling Agents) called the Form 1. This document contains not only all the standard documents for any other property purchase but it also contains a select set of documents relating to either Strata or Community Title, depending on the property. These are the Section 41 (Strata) or Section 139 (Community) Titled Documents.
Importantly here you will find information relevant to maintenance, insurances, costs and possibly any neighbouring unit disputes. Don’t just read the cover sheets for these searches, because an understanding of the funds held, allocation of the funds held, maintenance being considered and in fact any additional costs that the group may be considering imposing on all unit Owners sit with-in the last two sets of minutes from the body Corporate meetings held of the group and the bylaws/ Articles or Resolutions sheets provided. These searches will often also contain any major reports such as Engineering issues.
Depending on whether the property is a strata or community will impact whether you are responsible for different maintenance items personally, or collectively. Whilst the Acts in place govern overall, there are specific rules that apply to individual property sites. This could include important details that may impact your interest in the property, for example; Am I allowed to keep a pet? Am I allowed to install solar panels?, Can I change the external colour of my unit? Am I allowed to erect a pergola? Can I park a second car on the common property?
If you are purchasing off the plan, you will still be able to view more than just the plans prepared by the Developer, you will also be able to review all the Community Bylaws and a budget of anticipated quarterly costs. These costs could include items such as grounds maintenance, common power, common water, and any sinking fund amounts being paid for future major expenses.
Remember, if there is something you are not sure about, contact the Strata Manager and ask. Far better to get a proper understanding of the property and what you can and cannot do, costs, etc
If you have any general questions, do not hesitate to contact us here at Stratarama for more tips on what you should be looking for.
We feel that this pledge represents the best of our intentions towards each other, our Clients and Suppliers. We believe that participants in a strata corporation deserve to be treated with these ideals always in mind. We encourage all with whom we interact to work together with this same respect and harmony.
We support and foster leadership behaviours that encourage respect
Respect – We pursue respect with energy and persistence and are respectful under all conditions.
Integrity – We stand for honest and ethical moral principles and stand united for situational challenges and choosing the right thing to do over the easy thing to do.
Intolerance – We do not tolerate others who are disrespectful and we will call them out respectfully when they behave inappropriately.
Self-Awareness – We are aware of our own actions and the eff ect that they have on others.
Self-Regulation – We maintain awareness and self-control of emotion, behaviour and decision making.
Empathy – We invite the perspective of others and consider feelings and thoughts that may be different to our own. We are compassionate and respectful of differences that may exist between us.
Trust – We welcome differences of opinion and healthy debate and we ensure that all voices feel safe to be heard. We aim to build relationships of trust based on mutual understanding for the greater community good.
Honesty – We are open and transparent in our dealings.
Due Diligence – We understand the financial, strategic and other implications of our actions.
Good Faith – We act in the best interests of owners and their representatives and we demonstrate accountability for our actions.
Fairness – We will avoid bias and discrimination, and act impartially and fairly
The word agenda derives from the Latin word, agendum which means “something to be done”.
Sometimes when we think of an agenda, we instinctively think negatively “they must have an agenda”. Everyone has their own internal agendas, but whether negative, positive or just a to do list, when we get together at a meeting, if we don’t have a shared agenda, then things simply won’t get done.
Every meeting has an agenda.
In a body corporate management sense, a proper agenda, breaking down the legislatively required topics to be discussed, considered and voted on, along with any other items to be tabled by the Members is vital.
If you are not familiar with Strata Management or Community title management here in South Australia, or haven’t been a part of any other formal meeting, then proper construction of your agenda and the details there-in may seem confusing or to some even pedantic, however adhering to proper process and detail is the only way that the business of the meeting can be transacted.
The Strata Titles Act 1988 and the Community Titles Act 1996 both require the Strata Corporation or Community Corporation to hold at least one Annual General Meeting (AGM) and allow for other meetings to be called and held as required such as Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) and even Committee meetings. These same South Australian Acts further outline set items that must be discussed, important things such as financial reporting, appointments of Officer Bearers and Committees, and the striking of contributions to fund the groups outgoing costs.
As a member of the Corporation a meeting is your opportunity to present business and seek a vote on matters important to you and the group. However, if your business is not properly documents on the agenda then not only might it not be voted on, but it might not be discussed at all. Items you might want to raise at a meeting could include:
request for a pet
request for an addition or attachment to your private subsidiary (shed, pergola, enclosure, fence)
an improvement such as a changed style of fence, rendering, or other change to the complex from what is currently in place
consideration for certain maintenance to be prioritised and/or funds raised for the same, maybe you believe it is time to paint, or add annual gutter cleaning or pipe servicing to the budget
In every instance, the other Members of the group need to be given the opportunity to consider the matters that you raise prior to the meeting in order to give it proper consideration. If a unit Owner/Members appoints a proxy for this meeting, and they weren’t aware that you wanted to consider changing the colour scheme to the complex, their representative wouldn’t know how they should vote. It is imperative that all Owners know in advance what the discussions are to be about, so that they can do their due diligence and ensure that they cast a vote.
It is also very important to be precise in the details being put forward on the agenda. For example, if you would like to erect a fence and the agenda lists your request to “erect a fence on the northern boundary”, how do those Members know if the fence proposed will be colorbond, iron, timber, brick, etc if its not noted. Will the fence be cream or green? 1.8 metres high or 2.1? Will there be 4 solar panels or 16?
It may be beneficial to supply supporting documentation to assist the other Owners in being able to visualize your request. For example, a marked-up plan of where the pergola will be erected, a drawing of the newly proposed carport showing heights and materials to be used, a colour chart, etc.
The more information provided to Members, the greater chance of approval. If other Owners are unsure on what is being proposed, they may not vote favorably, simply because they have insufficient information to give you the answer you desire. Even with a very detailed proposal of course, your request may be rejected, however you have given it the greatest chance of success, by communicating and detailing your proposal.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin.
For self-managed groups compiling all the agenda items from Owners (and legislatively required, will be compiled and circulated by your Secretary (Office Bearer). For groups under management, compiling and circulating the agenda and other documentation for consideration and circulation will be handled by your professional Strata Manager.
If you are unsure what information a specific agenda item should include, your Manager at Stratarama will be able to assist you in preparing the item or resolution to be considered.
If our Team are asking you for more detail, it isn’t to be painful. It is to actually give your request the best chance of being considered and possibly approved.
We understand on occasions, particularly if you are new to apartment, shared complex living/ ownership, that you may not even know what does or does not require approval. Don’t hesitate to send us an email at office@stratarama.com.au to seek some guidance with respect you your specific group and your query.
Remember that there are notice periods that must be given when circulating any AGM or EGM meeting notice to the Members, so if your Manager calls for items you want on the agenda for an upcoming meeting, don’t delay, compile and then send to us asap so that your request doesn’t miss the agenda. Without the proper notice period, your item will miss the upcoming meetings agenda and won’t be able to be voted on. Your Manager or Secretary can’t simply delay sending the notice/ agenda for the meeting, because you haven’t yet sent through your request (and in most instances, once the agenda is sent, it cannot be changed), otherwise the appropriate notice designated in the relevant Act will not have been provided. This would then not be a properly convened meeting and the discussions/ decisions would not hold up.
We are here to help. If you are unsure, speak to Stratarama.
It’s your Community.
This article and the information provided represents general advice and does not take into account any specific financial situations, objectives or needs of an individual or Body Corporate/ Strata Corporation.
Insurance can be complex: The Value of a Strata Manager
Please find below a Link to an informative document on the value of your Strata and Community Title Manager being able to assist your Body Corporate with your Insurance needs. The Strata Manager is here to help on Insurance matters; such as claims processing, paying Contractor invoices on claims, arranging insurance valuations and providing reports to unit Owners, insurance record keeping, and general insurance needs such as quotes, purchases, placements and renewals.
No property is guaranteed to not experience some sort of termite activity, so whether you own a house or are a Member of a Strata or Community Corporation, knowing some of the signs for termites and also some of the ways you can reduce the risks is very important.
Many Body Corporates will be on some sort of a termite inspection program, some using a system such Sentricon bating stations, others with a simple annual visual termite inspection.
As a Strata Manager, we will often have dealings with many White Ant inspection/ treatment companies, due to properties already having certain systems in place with a particular Contractor.
Remember that Termites will always invade from an outside source. Once located internally, prompt response is required to minimise damage. Being able to jump onto this issue as quickly as possible is vital. It is unlikely that there will be any relief provided under insurance for damages caused by termites.
If you are concerned about termites and Seeking advice on whether your individual property has had termite inspections or treatments and/ or whether something should/ could be instigated, contact your Manager for any details they may have regarding your unit complex and your particular Lot.
Reducing the Risks
Regularly check and maintain taps, hose lines and hot water services to ensure there are no leaks. Check both inside and outside the unit and around the common property
Routinely check gutters, downpipes and drains to ensure that they are clean and flowing properly away from the unit building
Make sure that all water from air conditioner units are correctly plumbed and that down pipes redirect water away from the unit
Don’t place woodchips/mulch in close proximity to the building or against walls.
Don’t place timber directly into the soil close to the buildings
Arrange regular termite inspection programs.
Know the signs for termite activity and watch for them (including training your Property Managers and Tenants on what to look for)
The Signs
Mud tubes: Mud tubes may look like a tail of mud or dirt. These trails indicate that the termites are present and active. Contact your Manager or Body Corporate contact immediately to seek assistance. It is likely that this activity is significant and prompt action is required to engage your current pest Controller or a new Inspector. Your Manager should have record of any ongoing inspection program or advise who can inspect.
Timber damage: Naturally the termites are hunting and eating timber. If you see damage similar to woodrot, cracks, blistering paint and dips in your timber floors, doors, window frames or walls you should undertake investigations. Remember to check other timber structures too such as pergolas or pale fencing.
Localised Power failures: Just as you might experience an issue with a rodent nibbling away at a power cable in your wall or ceiling, so too could termites be creating a localised power problem. Check for the signs above in the vicinity of any short circuit or disruption.
This article and the information provided represents general advice and does not take into account any specific financial situations, objectives or needs of an individual or Body Corporate/ Strata Corporation. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should read the relevant product disclosure statement, policy wording and/or consult your Insurer.
How a Community Manager can assist in the preparation and transition from development to Community Corporation
In South Australia, The Developer has a legal obligation to set up the first statutory meeting of the Community group called the Inaugural meeting. Often the Developers engage a Management firm to prepare and run that meeting along with the recording of the minutes and setting up the group from that point forward to meet the Corporations on-going statutory requirements; such as forward budgets, bank accounts, sinking funds, etc.
Before a Community Manager facilitates the initial Inaugural meeting, there is a need for the Developer to provide information about the Corporation. This includes all statutory documentation as outlined in the Act. Below is the relevant section of the Community Titles Act 1996(link to Act) which outlines what the Developer must have ready for that meeting.
Some examples of information that is necessary for the incoming manager to build the budgets:
Is there any communal electricity? Such as lighting, elevators, etc
Is there any landscaping which will require routine maintenance?
Are there common items such as heating or cooling for common area, or shared between individual units?
What is the required levels of insurance:
Is the group insured collectively; all buildings and common land?
Are the units individually insured but require common property cover which includes common power, fencing, driveways, gates, etc
Is there any ongoing cleaning requirements?
Is there a common water meter, individual meters? Or a single meter with third party water readers installed for measuring the use of each unit?
Is there a need for ongoing fire system maintenance and inspections?
Any common facilities such as Elevators, pools, gyms or other communal spaces?
Are there communal Hot water systems? Or embedded networks
What are the Community group By-laws, Scheme description and plans. Importantly for the budget, what are the unit entitlements on the entitlement page of the plans.
Engaging a Community Manager early, with the necessary information will allow that Manager to support the Developer by building proper forward budgets which they can present to potential purchasers. A genuine budget with clear ongoing costs will mean that each purchaser has a clear understanding of what they are purchasing and the ongoing costs involved. Poor budgets, or a lack of understanding from purchasers before buying a new development can create much confusion and frustration for the new Owner and the Developer in remedying these matters later.
The Manager can also assist with the setting up of these insurance policies, contractor contracts and provide a source of knowledge to those coming into the group, so that they feel supported in their purchase.
Developers aren’t just building a multi-dwelling property, they are developing a Community. Just as the property requires the proper foundations, so too does the Community. When these foundations are done well, this community of Members (Lot and unit Owners) will flourish and fully enjoy their new homes, and be thankful for it.
If your Developer did not set up your Inaugural meeting, contact STRATARAMA to discuss the next steps in laying the foundations for your group. If you are Developer, commencing a new project, consider the above, and how we might help you prepare for leaving the project and the new Purchasers with the right start!
(1) The developer must convene a general meeting of the community corporation within 3 months after the day on which there are at least 2 different members of the community corporation (not including the developer or any person who the developer knows, or ought reasonably to know, is an associate of the developer).
Maximum penalty: $15 000.
(2) A member of the corporation may convene the meeting required under subsection (1) if the developer fails to do so.
80—Business at first statutory general meeting
(1) The developer must deliver to the corporation at the first statutory general meeting—
(a) a copy of the plan of community division deposited in the Lands Titles Registration Office which shows the service infrastructure by which the lots and common property are provided with water, gas, electricity and other services; and
(b) a copy of—
(i) the scheme description (if any); and
(ii) the by-laws; and
(iii) the development contract or contracts (if any), filed by the Registrar-General with the deposited plan; and
(c) a copy of specifications, diagrams and drawings relating to the buildings or other improvements (if any) on the community parcel; and
(d) the duplicate certificate of title for the common property; and
(e) all policies of insurance taken out by the developer; and
(f) a statement of the corporation’s assets and liabilities; and
(g) an expenditure and contribution statement complying with section 113; and
(h) books of account and other records relating to the corporation; and
(i) the corporation’s common seal; and
(j) a copy of all other documents in the developer’s possession that are likely to be of use to the corporation.
Maximum penalty: $15 000.
(2) The following matters must be addressed at the first statutory general meeting—
(a) the appointment of the presiding officer, treasurer and secretary;
(b) the custody of the corporation’s common seal and the manner of its use;
(c) the corporation’s recurrent and non-recurrent expenditure in its first financial year and the amount to be raised by contributions from owners of community lots to cover that expenditure;
(d) the appointment of an auditor of the corporation’s accounts in its first financial year or a special resolution that the accounts for that year need not be audited;
(e) such other matters as are required by regulation.
(3) If a document of a kind referred to in subsection (1) comes into the possession of the developer within 12 months after the corporation’s first statutory general meeting, the developer must deliver it, or a copy of it, to the corporation.
Our CEO Tony Johnson wrote the following article regarding the relationships formed by a Strata Manager and how they can and do assist your Body Corporate. This Essay was a finalist for the 2021 Essay Award at the SCA Strata Community Association awards in November 2021.
Managers of Strata Corporations are experts in managing Strata and Community developments. Each Corporation can elect to be self-managed and do it well. However, having an organisation with the knowledge and skills to properly care for a property can be more efficient and save owners time and money.
The basic role of a management company is to provide the Body Corporate with administration and maintenance services for common property. However, a good Manager will add value by handling disputes between owners, contractors and even tenants.
The services provided by a strata management company are significantly enhanced by the established relationships they have with suppliers and other professional networks. To take excellent care of a strata property, managers will engage with professionals whom they have built rapport and understand the services they provide.
As with any relationship, these connections take time and effort to cultivate and evolve. The end goal is to build trust and mutual respect. These two-way relationships assist to ensure that those third parties have a clear understanding of the Strata industry. What’s more, great working relationships improve overall productivity and can help reduce maintenance costs.
Taking relationships seriously enables your strata manager to produce win-win outcomes; they act as a point of connection to all the services your property requires.
Tradespeople and the care of your development
Keeping on top of general maintenance means regular engagement with tradespeople for a broad range of tasks. Having the expertise and experience of a Strata Manager will help ensure the right skilled tradesperson are contacted for quotes and that the best results are delivered.
Reliable and skilled tradespeople can be challenging to find but are worth their weight in gold. Maintaining strong professional relationships with tradespeople is a key responsibility of managers. These connections allow any issues to be dealt with quickly, effectively and amicably. A great strata managers will build a strong, trusting and transparent relationship with tradies and subsequently clients who can be confident in their high standards.
When establishing new relationships with tradespeople, strata managers will know to request past client References, transparent costing and proof of relevant insurances/licenses. Owners with less experience may not ask for these things or not fully understand the information provided. By allowing a Strata Manager to care for their property using these trusted relationships, Owners are protecting the value of their properties and ensuring that Residents and Tenants have a happy and safe environment.
Insurers and providing adequate coverage
The insurance industry has various niches including the Strata or Community Titled coverages which can incorporate subsidiary covers such as Fidelity and public liability. A Manager needs to understand each of these policies and covers and each Insurer has different agreements and products to offer. The differences between the policy offerings are important and so are the claims. The polices between Strata Managers do not change, however the advantage to having a manager is knowing what cover is required for your particular property and whom to speak to get the right qualified responses. In addition, through networking and associations, a Manager should know which Tradespeople have completed similar work in the past for a specific Insurer and have established connections with the various Assessors and Advisors to assist with your policy and claims.
Insurance is a product that individuals never want to have to use but need to have available. Therefore, insurance providers typically don’t have regular contact with their individual customers which means it’s challenging to form strong working relationships. A good Manager will ensure these associations develop through regular contact, networking and of course experience.
Strata managers manage many different properties and therefore have regular contact with their insurance providers given that they will be handling more incidents. Their professional relationship with insurance providers adds value to their service. This may include using a Broker or going direct to obtain pricing for the owners.
Unit owners
Naturally the most important relationship a Stata manager has is with the unit owners. Strata management is about people, understanding, empathising and working to achieve results together and communicating to everyone. The Key above all else in these relationships is Communication.
To ensure superior communication and a strong relationship, a Strata Manager will keep comprehensive records, provide access to detailed information, and respond promptly and efficiently to all queries.
Strata managers also provide a great, neutral point of contact for owners to consult when issues occur. Navigating disputes and varying opinions can be tricky, but great strata managers possess the necessary communication skills and professional attitudes to ensure challenges can be managed as smoothly as possible and preserve relationships between as many unit owners as possible.
Ensuring harmony between owners means that strata managers will
Professionally communicate the rules to owners and tenants
Altering rules and implementing resolutions at the direction of the Owners as necessary, and in the best interest of the property.
Mediate disputes between owners and tenants, neighbours, and other vested parties. These include issues involving noise, parking, damage, pets and more.
Communication within a Strata or Community Corporation is vital to ensure that large decisions are made correctly and with all the required information. Communication is also vital to the day to day running of your Body Corporate.
Whether Strata or Community Corporation Committees are communicating with each other, their Manager or a third party, ensuring that the communication is relevant, clear and contains all the necessary information to ensure that it is effective.
Your Strata Manager must also communicate effectively, efficiently and regularly when there is a matter for the Strata Members to address. A good Strata Manager will provide the necessary skills to communicate the Strata body’s decisions to the insurers, the Tenants/ Agents, and any Contractors engaged in providing quotes or maintenance for the property. Presenting the right information in a clear, positive manner can be the difference between smooth and effective management and major errors being made, including Contractors or Residents feeling frustrated and/ or undertaking projects that are not in line with the Strata Corporations approvals.
Modern technology means that sometimes communication may not even involve two parties. For example, access to an online Owners Portal may mean that some Owners can find the information they need in their own time (provided that the right information is properly entered into the portal, with all the information required).
With more and more Owners and Residents accessible via email, Strata Corporation Members can be kept better informed promptly of matters affecting their Communities. It is able to reach more people quickly!
Of course, not everything has an immediate answer, and some matters require research. Sometimes just an acknowledgement that your query has been received and that your Manager will do some investigation can be the difference between stressing and patiently waiting for the information you need.
Your Community Manager can only contact you if you keep your contact information up to date.
If you want to receive your communication by email instead of snail mail, please advise the Manager. In recent years we have all seen mail delivered by post slow down considerably, with fewer Australia Post requirements to deliver as promptly as they once did.
Email is not going to be the right solution for everyone, but if you check your email regularly, remember that this is your Community if you have it delivered to your phone. If you want to get the latest information about what is happening, (when it happens) you may want to consider checking with your Manager if you have email recorded as your preferred correspondence delivery method. You may also want to check that the best, current and most regularly checked email is the one held on file in your Strata Managers office.
Remember your manager doesn’t work 24/7; however, they should provide you with a contact for maintenance emergencies in an emergency. If it is not an emergency, leave an email – just remember to give your Manager time to receive and read it during business hours.
Communication is a two-way street, and your Manager can best provide you with clear, important information when equipped with the best way to reach you. Whether the matter at hand is a complaint about a neighbour, a matter for the next meeting agenda, or a maintenance issue, clear communication from all parties will be the most effective way to assist and work with one another. This provides clarity for all parties involved.
If Stratarama is your Managing Strata Agent, why not contact us at office@stratarama.com.au to provide us with your current and best contact information and confirm your preferred method of correspondence delivery.
If Stratarama does not currently manage you and feel that your existing Manager isn’t providing the clear and effective communication, your Strata Corporation in South Australia requires, why not reach out to us today to discuss how we may be able to assist you in the future.
