How To Find The Best Body Corporate Manager

When operating a building or property, having an effective and smart body corporate manager is essential. Unfortunately, we have all heard the horror stories that plague apartment and complex owners dealing with unprofessional and unreliable managers.

Our team at Property Club have been in the property investment industry for many years and are experienced property professionals. We have collated our top things to consider when hiring your next body corporate manager.

####What is a Body Corporate? If you own an apartment, duplex, or something similar, you are likely part of a body corporate. A body corporate is the representative group of all the owners of a multi-residential building. This does not necessarily mean you are making big decisions, but it does mean that you choose who does.

The body corporate committee is elected and chosen by the members of the body corporate and looks after the legal and financial aspects of building management. They represent the communal space that is shared by residents of the building.

####What is a Body Corporate Manager? A body corporate manager essentially handles the day-to-day tasks of the body corporate. Things like correspondence, bills, planning and scheduling meetings, and organising insurance and liability are just some of the tasks that are involved.

Notably a Body Corporate Manager is NOT a building manager. A body corporate manager is employed on behalf of the body corporate and represents their interests. It is largely an administration role that ensures liability, communication, insurance and similar things are up to date at all times.

More than that though, a good body corporate manager should be able to go above and beyond. They will be available for contact as much as possible within their working hours, will follow through with tasks, and will report back frequently and clearly. They will remain impartial in conflict and will show initiative and problem-solving skills in resolving those conflicts. A good body corporate manager should excel at stakeholder management and be an organised individual and an excellent communicator.

####The Body Corporate Manager Is Not In Charge While the body corporate manager may be residents first point of contact, and holds a trusted position, they are not in charge. A manager should act as a liaison between residents, companies, and the body corporate - hence why problems can sometimes take a while to be resolved.

Unless otherwise advised, a body corporate manager should not make decisions without the body corporate's consent. This is a common issue seen in unsuccessful managers, often taking charge at meetings and overstepping their position.

####How To Find a Good Body Corporate Manager When searching for the perfect body corporate manager it is very important to have a clear and realistic set of expectations. With this understanding in your arsenal, you will find yourself prospering in property management.

Some good questions to start with are:

• What are their standard services?
• What services will require additional fees?
• What service commitment levels do they maintain for staff managing schemes?
• Do they provide clear and effective support for owners and committee members who may not understand the role of a body corporate?
• Will they assist with the overall management of the scheme?

The best place to start this is by consulting with our team at Property Club. We are an organisation made up of experienced property investors and can advise you on potential candidates. We will help you find a strata management company that is cost effective and hands on and thorough in the management style.

If you are struggling with your manager search, get in touch with our team today to organise a time to sit down and discuss this in detail.