Strata managers take on a number of different roles for properties all across Australia, primarily acting as liaisons between property owners, residents, contractors, and the authorities. In short, it is their job to keep shared properties such as apartment complexes running smoothly. Their role also includes handling finances, ensuring the property is well-maintained, enforcing any rules and complying with legal guidelines.
Strata management is actually a career path that is open to anyone with the right qualities who successfully acquires a strata management license. This blog explores what qualities good strata managers typically possess.Â
Communication skills
Strata management in Melbourne and other major cities is common because many residents live in apartments which have communal areas. Some buildings and projects may have hundreds of residents, which means that effective verbal and written communication skills are essential for anybody thinking about becoming a strata manager. It will be their responsibility to ensure that residents, property owners, and the relevant authorities are informed of important details and changes.
Communication skills will also come in handy when hosting meetings of property stakeholders, especially when there are disputes and disagreements between them.Â
Problem-solving skills
Whether you are thinking about becoming a strata manager or about hiring one to help boost your real estate business, another essential skill to look out for is problem-solving. Much of what a strata manager does is take care of issues within the property. These could be maintenance issues, compliance problems, or even disputes between stakeholders. A good manager overcomes these challenges quickly and calmly.Â
Financial skills
Strata managers are typically responsible for how any money shared between the owners or tenants of a property is used. This does not only mean deciding the budget for repairs or upgrades to communal areas, but preparing financial reports so that everyone can be sure that their money is being looked after responsibly too.
Knowledge of the law
Strata managers are also responsible for ensuring that properties and their residents comply with all the relevant laws and regulations, otherwise they may face challenges or be forced to pay fines. This means that they must have a basic understanding of legal guidelines such as building codes and the rights of tenants.Â
Organisational skills
Given the many different tasks that strata managers must do, from preparing financial reports to ensuring that common areas are well-maintained, it is essential that they are highly organised too. This ensures that predictable tasks will get completed on time and that they can quickly get on top of any surprising challenges that emerge.Â
Conclusion
Strata management can be a good career for those who are well-organized and possess the other skills above. Being able to make good financial decisions, host meetings without them descending into chaos, and help everybody to understand important topics are all essential too. However, it can also be very challenging, which is why some states require strata managers to be licensed. Mediating disputes, arranging emergency maintenance, and enforcing building policies can also be expected in this multifaceted role.Â
