In New South Wales, over 1.2 million residents call a strata residence their home. Living in such communities means familiarising yourself with the roles and responsibilities of the Owners Corporation in NSW. Governed by Legislation, the Owners Corporation plays a pivotal role, with the Committee acting as its executive branch. Ensuring decisions made are in the best interest of all members.  

This article explores the duties of the Owners Corporation, the invaluable role of the Committee, and the significant contributions made by the Owners Corporation Manager and Building Manager. Understanding these roles is not just about ensuring the community runs smoothly; it’s about giving residents the knowledge and power to actively shape the management of their shared spaces, promoting a sense of harmony and collaborative community spirit. 

Owners Corporation 

The Owners Corporation consists of all the owners within a strata scheme. Upon buying property in a strata scheme, you automatically become a part of the Owners Corporation. When you sell the property you own, you cease to be a part of the Owners Corporation. 

The Owners Corporation is responsible for decision-making and overseeing the overall management of the scheme. This includes: 

  1. Managing finances. 
  2. Handling insurance matters.
  3. Maintaining comprehensive records.
  4. Conducting repairs and maintenance on common property.
  5. Enforcing by-laws
  6. Organising and conducting strata meetings.
  7. Appointing a strata manager.
  8. Appointing a building manager.

Each of these responsibilities is governed by specific laws and procedures. 

Strata Committee 

The Committee comprises volunteer owners from the Owners Corporation. The Strata Committee serves as the executive branch of the Owners Corporation. Its primary duty is to execute the lawful decisions made under the strata title. This group is entrusted with decision-making authority to address less significant matters that arise within the Owners Corporation throughout the year. The Committee is elected annually at the annual general meeting. 

The responsibilities of Strata Committee Members include: 

  1. Attending all committee meetings held throughout the year. These are called as needed and typically occur quarterly.
  2. Reviewing meeting notices before attending.
  3. Tending to various tasks. Such as obtaining quotes for painting or gardening.

For SSKB clients, managing these responsibilities becomes more straightforward with the SSKB Strata app. The app enables clear communication and ensures that sharing information among committee members is effortless and efficient. 

Strata Manager 

A Strata Manager’s role is to assist strata communities in fulfilling their legislative and administrative obligations associated with running an Owners Corporation. 

Specific duties may vary depending on the size, complexity, and involvement of the Owners Corporation Committee within each community. These duties are typically outlined in the management agreement, and a Strata Manager can only take instructions from the Committee. 

The Owners Corporation has the discretion to assign various tasks to a Strata Manager, which may include: 

  1. Coordinating and conducting meetings.
  2. Collecting and depositing levies, as well as procuring insurance.
  3. Providing advice on asset management.
  4. Maintaining the financial records of the scheme.

It is important to clarify that a Community Manager is not a real estate agent, property manager, or letting agent. They do not set levies or make decisions on the operations of a strata community; these responsibilities rest with the owners and are overseen by the Committee. While Community Managers cannot offer legal advice, they play a crucial role in guiding Committees towards relevant sections of state legislation to assist in decision-making. Thus this distinction underscores their supportive, yet non-decisional, role in the strata community. 

Building Manager 

The Building Manager’s role and services are defined in the agreement between the Building Manager and the Owners Corporation. Typically, the Building Manager is responsible for tasks such as garden maintenance, lawn mowing, cleaning elevators and lobbies, changing light bulbs, and overseeing waste collection. 

The Building Manager’s presence ensures that the building is repaired and maintained in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in their agreement. 

For further information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Owners Corporation in NSW, please do not hesitate to contact your Strata Manager. 

Disclaimer: At the time of writing, all care and due diligence have been exercised to ensure that the content presented is accurate and up-to-date. However, the specifics of regulations, guidelines, and circumstances can vary significantly from one location to another and may change over time. We strongly recommend consulting with your Community Manager or the relevant Body Corporate/Owners Corporation to understand how this information applies to your specific building and situation. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered as professional advice. 

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