How to Find the Right Strata Manager for Your Building in 2025
Finding the right strata manager is key to the smooth and stress-free management of your strata property.
Strata managers not only take care of the financial aspect of your building, but also ensure legal compliance, handle maintenance coordination, and maintain harmony between owners and residents.
A skilled strata manager is essential for resolving disputes, staying on top of regulatory changes, and making informed decisions that benefit the entire community.
In 2025, as strata regulations evolve and expectations rise, the need for a proficient strata manager has never been more important. So, how do you find a good strata manager for your building? Continue reading to discover 10 key tips that will guide you in making the best decision for your property’s success.
How To Understand The Role of A Strata Manager
Before exploring the key tips, it’s important to understand the role of a strata manager.
Strata managers serve as the primary point of contact for ensuring the operational efficiency of the strata property.
Key Responsibilities of A Strata Manager:
- Financial Management: Collecting levies, setting budgets, paying bills, and handling accounts.
- Dispute Resolution: Mediating and resolving conflicts between tenants and owners.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring the building adheres to strata laws and regulations, including maintaining adequate strata insurance coverage.
- Property Maintenance: Overseeing repairs and maintenance of common areas.
Ultimately, a strata manager handles the financial, legal, and administrative aspects of a property, while a building manager focuses on physical maintenance like security and cleaning.
The right strata manager is integral to both the property’s value and the well-being of its residents.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Strata Manager in 2025
Efficient strata management starts with a good strata manager. A skilled professional ensures your building runs smoothly, remains compliant, and cultivates a positive, harmonious living environment for all residents.
Here are the key 10 factors to consider when selecting the best strata manager for your building. These tips will help you make an informed choice and ensure your strata scheme is in safe hands.
1.Reputation and Good Reviews Goes a Long Way
It may seem like an obvious step, but checking a strata manager’s reviews and qualifications goes a long way. Ensure they have the relevant training and experience, and are familiar with local strata laws.
Consider online reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge their track record. Connect with other strata committees they’ve worked with for insights. Look for any industry awards or recognition that highlight their expertise.
2.Check Industry Experience & Qualifications
Look for strata managers with certifications from the Strata Community Association (SCA) Australia. Assess their experience managing buildings of similar size and complexity. Ensure they are up-to-date with the latest strata laws and regulations in your state (NSW, VIC, QLD, etc.).
3.Are They Good Communicators?
Good communication is essential in a strata manager. Consider if they are approachable, transparent, and good at explaining complex matters in simple terms. Do they respond promptly to queries and complaints? A strata manager should be able to clearly articulate issues, updates, and decisions to all residents and owners, ensuring everyone is informed and on the same page.
4.Can The Strata Manager Manage Conflicts With Ease?
Are they effective mediators who can guide meetings and handle disputes with ease? The right strata manager should be able to quickly and fairly resolve conflicts while maintaining a calm and neutral stance.
5.Check For Strong Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge
With changes to 2025 strata laws, such as sustainability requirements and updated insurance obligations, your strata manager must stay informed and adaptable. A solid understanding of these legal frameworks is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential issues down the line.
Check their track record for maintaining compliance with local and state regulations as well as their experience in effectively managing dispute resolution processes.
6.Accountability & Ethical Standards
A good strata manager demonstrates accountability by providing clear and transparent financial reporting, ensuring owners are always informed of where funds are allocated. Strata owners and tenants are looking for a strata manager they can trust and one that acts in the best interests of owners and residents.
7.Understanding Costs & Fees
Quality strata management comes at a price, but it's important to ensure you're only paying for the services you truly need. A reputable Strata Manager will also be transparent about what fees they will charge and any other incomes that they will earn. Consider factors like:
- Is your building high-maintenance with frequent issues that require ongoing attention?
- Would it be more cost-effective to hire a strata management company with a team of specialists, rather than an individual manager?
- What services are included in the scope of the Strata Agreement and what will be charged as additional fees?
- Do they receive any other income from services provided or from insurance?
Understanding these factors will help you avoid paying more than necessary while ensuring you get the level of service your building requires.
8.Tech-Savvy & Digital Capabilities
In today's digital age, a good strata manager should be familiar with modern strata management software. This includes tools for billing, communication, and maintaining records. Digital platforms improve efficiency, streamline processes, and provide transparency, allowing both managers and residents to easily access important information.
9.Things To Look Out For When Choosing A Strata Manager
When choosing a strata manager, watch out for red flags that may indicate potential issues:
- Poor communication or delayed responses
- History of mismanaging funds or lack of transparency
- Frequent complaints or negative reviews
- Limited knowledge of recent regulatory changes
Any of these red flags in a strata manager could signal potential risks, leading to financial mismanagement, legal issues, and a diminished living experience for residents.
10.And Lastly, Have The Right Expectations
Not all strata managers operate the same way, so it’s essential to establish clear expectations from the start. Define roles, responsibilities, and performance reviews in the strata management agreement to avoid misunderstandings down the line. This clarity will help foster a positive working relationship and set the tone for effective strata management.
Do You Have Strata Insurance Yet?
One of the key responsibilities of a good strata manager is securing the right strata insurance to ensure compliance and protect the building and common areas.
Flex Insurance offers local expertise and a deep understanding of strata regulations, ensuring tailored coverage for your unique property needs. With reliable 24/7 emergency support and a streamlined claims process, Flex makes managing your strata insurance easy and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good strata manager?
Choose a strata manager with a strong track record, good communication skills, knowledgeable of strata laws & compliance, and experience with your specific property needs.
How do I find the right manager?
Research reputable strata management companies online, check reviews, and assess their experience in managing properties similar to yours.
How to find out who manages a strata plan?
Check with your building’s owners corporation or body corporate, as they should have details of the managing agent.
What questions should I ask a strata manager?
Ask about their experience, services offered, fees, approach to communication, and how they handle disputes or emergencies.
Contact Flex To Secure The Right Strata Insurance Policy
Contact Flex Insurance today for tailored coverage solutions. Let us help you protect your building so that you can run your strata property efficiently.