Managing a property with shared ownership isn’t always a walk in the park. When things run smoothly, no one notices the work behind the scenes. But when your body corporate manager starts dropping their performance, you notice it fast.
From poor communication to financial mismanagement, there are some pretty clear signs that it might be time to rethink who’s running the show. If you’re questioning whether your current setup is still serving the community, this guide will help you spot the signs.
Lack of Communication
Do you feel like sending an email to your body corporate manager is the equivalent of launching it into space, never to be seen or heard from again? If so, there might as well be no manager in the committee altogether.
Consistent lack of communication is one of the most common and frustrating issues. When meetings are missed, updates are delayed, and urgent queries go unanswered, it’s more than just annoying.
Watch out for:
- Slow or no responses to emails and phone calls
- Infrequent updates on maintenance, finances, or legal matters
- Lack of transparency in decision-making
It can be inconvenient for both residents and property owners when their requests for repairs or other issues are left unaddressed.
Late or Vague Financial Reports
Your strata money isn’t free money, and it shouldn’t be treated as such. If your body corporate manager isn’t providing clear or timely financial reports, it might be time to start researching how to change body corporate managers for better financial management.
According to industry guidelines and regulations, accurate reporting is non-negotiable. Common issues include:
- Budgets being overrun without explanation
- Mismanagement of sinking or maintenance funds
- Inability to provide audit trails or documentation
No Response to Maintenance Issues
Every building needs ongoing care, from landscaping to emergency repairs. If your property is falling into disrepair and the manager keeps blaming delays on contractors or other unrelated factors, it may be a sign that they’re not on top of things.
Delayed or unaddressed maintenance issues can:
- Decrease property value
- Create safety hazards
- Lead to costly future repairs
Regulatory Disputes
Body corporate laws aren’t just rules on paper. They actually protect the people involved. If your manager isn’t up to date with legal changes or is advising you to cut corners, it’s time to reconsider who should be in charge.
Legal issues can include:
- Failure to update bylaws
- Non-compliance with safety inspections or building codes
- Poor handling of disputes or breach notices
Complaints from the Community
The clearest sign of all is when owners themselves start voicing their dissatisfaction. If meeting attendance is high but spirits are low, or if informal complaints are becoming the norm, it’s time to listen to the people.
You can consider conduction a:
- Community survey on management satisfaction
- Committee review of the manager’s performance
- Discussion on formally changing body corporate managers in a legal and strategic way
When the majority has nothing good to say about the manager, it can do even more harm to keep the authority intact. It’s best to call for a general meeting and have a formal discussion.
Further Reading
