7 August 2023 / Matt Blewitt
Common reasons people change strata managers
From frustrating communication gaps to financial mysteries, many triggers can drive a strata revolution. If your current strata agreement is nearing expiry and you are feeling disgruntlement towards management, it might be time for a change. If you don’t know how to change strata managers, All Suburbs Strata Management makes it easy. We are specialists across all strata portfolios, including residential, community, commercial and industrial.
There are a lot of common reasons why people change strata managers. Two of the biggest are:
- Poor communication and service
- Unjustified fee increases
Inadequate communication and a lack of responsiveness from a strata manager lead to significant frustration for residents, as does subpar service, including the neglect of maintenance and repair matters as well as the inability to resolve disputes effectively.
Similarly, unexplained fee hikes strain the relationship between strata managers and residents. No one wants to pay more without an evident increase in services. Financial transparency is crucial.
Additional reasons to change
Ultimately, the decision to change strata managers typically stems from a combination of dissatisfaction with the current services, a desire for better management and the need for a more positive and efficient strata living experience.
When it comes to strata managers, various grievances can arise. Some of the more common complaints include:
- Lack of expertise – it is difficult to have a strata manager that is inadequate when it comes to local laws, regulations and best practices.
- Personality clashes – in some cases, personality conflicts can arise between the strata manager and the management team. This can create a tense, unpleasant atmosphere.
- A desire for innovation – if the current strata manager is resistant to change, it may be difficult to adopt new technologies or modern management practices that improve efficiency.
- Absence of accountability – if the strata manager fails to assume responsibility for their actions or mistakes, confidence in them and their competence will diminish.
- Financial concerns – mismanagement of finances, inaccurate accounting or lack of transparency leads to distrust and is a major cause for concern.
It is important to note that the strata manager is not in charge of your strata scheme. They act in an administrative capacity and are not involved in executive decisions without consultation with the strata scheme committee.
How to change strata managers
The best strata management companies excel in administration and effective communication, and they prioritise the best interests of their clients. Achieving high-quality strata management necessitates an experienced and autonomous team capable of orchestrating all components seamlessly. If you feel your strata scheme isn’t running smoothly, and you’ve tried to have your concerns heard to no avail, it’s time to change. And changing strata managers can be easy.
As your current agreement approaches its expiration date, it’s important to review clauses pertaining to notice and potential renewal obligations.
At ASSM, our team can assist in identifying these clauses and offer expert guidance.
ASSM offers a no-obligation assessment of your strata management needs. We are one of the most trusted strata management firms in New South Wales because we combine advanced technology and systems with good, old-fashioned, personalised customer service. Our highly qualified and professional strata managers are mobile and responsive.
Why choose All Suburbs Strata Management?
All Suburbs Strata Management can assist you with the transition and set solid foundations for a long and successful relationship. For over 40 years, our firm has been providing professional and experienced strata management for thousands of property owners and strata schemes across New South Wales.
Our strata managers are the most qualified and knowledgeable in the industry.
We are not just experts in residential, community, commercial and industrial strata schemes. At ASSM, we assist numerous developers in preparing for registration and provide strata reports and inspections.
We will ensure your strata scheme runs as smoothly as possible. When considering buying into a strata scheme or wanting to engage a professional and qualified team, contact ASSM today and experience the difference that 40 years of successful strata management will make.
Meet The Author
Matt Blewitt
Licensee in Charge / General Manager
Matt’s career began in property management, and he worked his way through a range of senior roles before returning to the family business. He now oversees ASSM strata portfolios with a practical focus on risk, consistency and keeping things running as they should. He believes clear communication, sound judgement and a willingness to own mistakes when they happen are the foundations of successful strata management.
What keeps Matt motivated is the people he works with, both within the team and across client communities. He understands the pressures owners and committees face and always balances compliance with common sense. This measured approach has been shaped by years on the ground and a genuine desire to do the job right, no matter the challenge.
We provide Australia’s most professional and comprehensive strata management services across Greater Sydney and other parts of NSW. Our expertise spans residential, community, commercial and industrial strata schemes. It’s easy to switch to All Suburbs Strata Management. See the extensive range of suburbs our certified strata managers oversee below.
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FAQs
Why might a strata scheme decide to change its strata manager?
Common reasons include poor communication or slow responses, inadequate service, unexplained fee increases, lack of transparency or an overall mismatch between what the scheme needs and what the current manager delivers.
What’s the first step when considering a change of strata manager?
Start by raising your concerns with the owners corporation or strata committee, outlining specific issues and gathering evidence. Also ask for a copy of the current management agreement so you understand your rights and obligations.
Do owners need to vote to change a strata manager?
Yes. A vote at a general meeting (such as the AGM or an Extraordinary General Meeting) by a majority of owners is usually required to terminate the current strata manager’s appointment and appoint a new one.
What should be checked in the existing strata management agreement?
Review key terms like the contract’s end date, notice periods, renewal clauses and any conditions for early termination. This helps avoid breaching the current agreement when planning a change.
How do you choose a new strata manager once the decision is made?
Committees often invite proposals from multiple strata management firms, comparing their experience, services, fees and cultural fit before deciding which provider best meets the needs of the scheme.
What happens after appointing the new strata manager?
Once appointed, the outgoing manager and the new manager organise a handover of records, keys, financial documents and relevant property information to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of services.