What are the specific reasons people are complaining about the existing management service?
It might be poor financial management, delays in dealing with maintenance, poor communication, inadequate maintenance, poor customer service – the list goes on. Create a comprehensive list of your major concerns, as this will be important for future discussions and decision-making.
Check your current contract
Many strata managers adopt the standard Strata Community Australia Strata Agency Agreement, and others use their own contracts. It is quite standard practice for such contracts to outline a fixed term period, up to a maximum of three years. So one of the first things to look out for is how long does the contract have to run until the expiry of this fixed term. If the expiry is years away, don’t despair, carefully read the contract to understand the terms. There will likely be termination clauses and if a breach is proven, providing a valid reason for termination, will allow the Owners Corporation to exit the contract. But you’ll need to carefully follow the process outlined in the contract to avoid any legal dramas.
Call an informal committee meeting
Once you understand your contract, call an informal strata committee meeting to discuss the change with your fellow committee members. Without sufficient support from the committee, it will be difficult to instigate change. The strata committee should discuss the matter, particularly the reasons for wanting a change. Ultimately, any decision to change strata management services will need to go to a General Meeting, so the committee needs to be armed with information persuasive enough to encourage other lot owners to vote for a change.
Search for new strata management companies
Even though you haven’t voted or decided to change management companies, the research starts now. Look around for viable alternatives because, ideally, you’ll need quotes from more than just one. Since you have your list of grievances with the existing manager, you’ll be able to use these when choosing a new company. Look for ones who can specifically address the concerns you had previously.
Once your research is complete, you’ll have a shortlist of options and a clear recommendation to present to the Owners Corporation at a general meeting.
Hold a general meeting
Your incumbent manager or your recommended incoming manager may be able to call and host the general meeting on your behalf so the decision to change strata managers can be put to a vote. If there is majority support at the meeting to terminate the incumbent manager, and appoint a new manager, then congratulations, you are getting a new manager of choice. Your new manager will liaise with the outgoing manager to coordinate an orderly handover.
Looking for reliable, professional strata management?
If you’re considering changing your strata management, we’d love you to consider More Than Strata. Our team of skilled professionals is on hand to look after your strata scheme, removing the hassle for Owners Corporations. We’re your number one choice with exceptional communication, affordable pricing, and a commitment to excellence. Contact our friendly team today if you’d like to experience better strata management.
