STRATA COMMUNITY MANAGERS' COMMITMENT

Hassel free, compliant and on-time administration.  We have a no ‘BS’ policy. (BS = Blame shifting)

CONTRACT OF APPOINTMENT

Strata Community Managers (“SCM“) is a member of Strata Community Australia ("SCA"), and as such supports and proposes to enter into SCA's standard industry Contract of Appointment for management contracts.

We generally quote for a per lot fee to include disbursements, and does not anticipate any additional costs to the OC for "in scope" services, hence no hidden surprises along the way.

All Contracts of Appointment will include the following:

  • Accounting, to suit your OC committee's meeting cycle.

  • Insurance, to include annual policy review as well as the administration of claims as needed.

  • Documentation, to include electronic storage of all OC documents.

  • Annual General Meeting, as well as any Special General Meetings, to include all preparation, attendance and documentation.

  • Maintenance, to include budgeted and unforeseen matters.

  • Guidance, to include general advice to the committee for all matters requiring their attention.

  • Additional Services, their scope to be agreed upon prior to engagement.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

SCM has unparalleled experience representing OCs at VCAT.  The overwhelming number of cases have been to seek orders for the recovery of fees, yet we also have invaluable experience in other disputes, such as defending the OC's registered rules to include housing Design Guidelines.

VCAT is usually the last resort for disputes. The best outcome is one between parties that agree on a compromise.  Therefore dispute resolution prior to the lodgement of a VCAT application, or prior to an order being made at hearing is desirable.

VCAT REPRESENTATION - FEE RECOVERY

With representation of well in excess of 1,000 applications for of the recovery of fees since 2008, we are best positioned to represent your OC's fee recovery program.  We have proven results having developed a standardised annual process for debt collection.  You don't need to engage lawyers, we are deemed professional advocates in this important management function.  We have a practical and operational understanding of how OCs work, and we are well versed in the reasons for owners not paying their fees on time.  Ask us how we can streamline your fee recovery. 

VCAT REPRESENTATION - RULES COMPLIANCE

SCM takes advantage of exciting new third party software designed to streamline the process of communicating breaches of the OC Act, OC Regulations and OC Rules.  Together with proven templates for each stage of the dispute resolution process, we can ensure that:

  • the owner/occupant involved is fully informed of their obligation to comply;

  • the appropriate processes take place; and

  • the records created and served are in order just in case the matter is escalated to VCAT.

TECHNOLOGY

SCM uses only the very best available information technology, ensuring not only effective, but efficient administration of your association.  The software that we recommend and provide at no additional cost has the following benefits:

  • Community Management software coordinating Fees/Arrears Management, Contact Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Financial Reporting.

  • Owners Online Portal providing owners with protected access to view and change their contact details, view and pay fees, as well as to view and download any number of reports and documents.

  • Online Invoice Approval - The Invoice Hub gives committee members and other invoice approvers the ability and freedom to review, approve or query invoices online – and convenient 24 hours a day access to do this.

  • Exciting new cloud based compliance software that can be easily administered by the use of mobile phones/tablets.

CONSULTANCY

SSM’s extensive experience doesn't have to result in an engagement by a Contract of Appointment.  We may consult for specific tasks or on a time basis should your OC require any assistance from time-to-time.  We are more than happy to work alongside your appointed Manager.  An example of such may be the application process and representation of cases at VCAT, to include matters for the recovery of fees or matters requiring adherence to the OC Act or the OC's rules.

HEALTH CHECK

Does your OC require a health check?  Your OC’s annual accounts might be audited, but how healthy is your OC’s non-financial operations? Has it been operating in strict accordance with relevant legislation, or the model rules or additional registered rules?  We can review the records to identify areas that may require better attention.

We are able to assist your OC no matter your size, whether you're self-managed or even if your committee requires independent assistance for your incumbent Manager.

TRANSLATION - CHINESE

We also offer a translation service.  We have a proven history in translating documents, as well as emails, between English and Mandarin.  You can rest assured that you can efficiently communicate with your Chinese speaking owners and residents.