How can a strata committee better manage interactions with owners? We discuss positive communication strategies for breaking down barriers between committees and owners.
Our top 3 takeaways for committees to better manage owner interactions:
Owners are people and yet a body corporate is akin to running a business. So, strike the balance. Use first names where possible and apt, but also use committee-specific email addresses to establish appropriate distance. Be professional, yet don’t forget any human costs (e.g., especially in very ‘human’ issues such as noise or pets).
You can’t manage owners if you don’t know who the owner is. Make sure the roll is up to date. If the registered owner is one part of a couple, be sure to communicate with them, not their partner. Do you have all of your tenant details? Tenancies of more than 6 months must be recorded on the body corporate roll.
Ask yourself as a committee: would I want to receive this email? This is a good way to ensure you tone, approach and style is appropriate. If you read a draft and you get to the end and think ‘whoa, that’s harsh’ , then so too will owners. That’s your chance to temper it.
Newsletter on committee roles – https://hyneslegal.com.au/insightsnews/the-different-body-corporate-committee-roles
Canvas owners the right way – http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/qld/QBCCMCmr/2009/200.html?context=1;query=admiralty%20towers%202009;mask_path=au/cases/qld/QBCCMCmr
Frank has extensive experience in strata law and is an active participant in the body corporate and management rights industries. He regularly presents at industry events and offers thought leadership on why strata and body corporate disputes need to be resolved in a different way.
Formerly Queensland’s Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management, Chris’ experience in dealing with strata issues and resolving conflict in body corporate is unmatched. Chris bring unmatched experience to the table as well as a unique perspective on solving issues in strata. Chris now heads up strata consultancy firm Strata Solve.