As a property owner, it’s important to understand the key differences between a strata manager and a property manager to ensure you’re engaging the right professional for your specific needs. While both strata managers and property managers play a crucial role in the management of properties, they have distinct responsibilities, communication styles, fee structures, and areas of expertise.
At Civium Property Group, we understand the importance of choosing the right professional for your property needs. Below is information to help understand the key differences between a strata manager and a property manager.
What is a strata manager?
A strata manager is responsible for managing strata properties. They work with the owners’ corporation or strata committee, which is made up of the owners of individual units, to ensure that the property is well-maintained and meets all legal and regulatory requirements. Strata managers also handle tasks such as collecting levies, maintaining common areas, and managing repairs and maintenance.
What is a property manager?
A property manager is responsible for managing individual properties. They act as a liaison between the landlord and tenant, handling tasks such as finding tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property. Property managers are also responsible for ensuring that the property complies with local laws and regulations.
Key Differences Between a Property Manager and a Strata Manager
Responsibilities
A strata manager and a property manager have different responsibilities. A strata manager is responsible for managing the common areas and facilities of strata-titled properties, such as apartment buildings or townhouses. This includes overseeing the maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of common property and facilities, and handling administrative tasks such as budgeting, insurance, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. They also manage the relationships between owners, residents, and the strata committee.
A property manager is responsible for managing individual properties on behalf of their owner or landlord. They handle tasks such as marketing the property, finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance and repairs. They are also responsible for complying with relevant laws and regulations, managing relationships between tenants and landlords, and handling disputes that may arise.
Communication
Another key difference between strata managers and property managers is their communication style. Strata managers are responsible for communicating with owners and residents of the property, as well as the strata committee. They are often required to provide regular updates on maintenance and repairs, budgets, and other matters that affect the common property.
Property managers, on the other hand, communicate primarily with the property owner and the tenants. They are responsible for ensuring that both parties are satisfied with the services provided and that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Fees
Strata managers are typically paid a fee for their services, which is paid by the owners’ corporation. The fee may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the levies paid by owners.
Property managers are typically paid a percentage of the rental income earned by the property they manage. The percentage may vary depending on the location, type, and size of the property, as well as the services provided by the property manager.
Expertise
Finally, clients need to consider the expertise of strata managers and property managers. Strata managers have specialised knowledge of strata-titled properties and the laws and regulations that govern them. They also have experience managing relationships between owners and residents and dealing with complex issues that can arise in a strata-titled property.
Property managers, on the other hand, have expertise in managing individual properties and in finding and managing tenants. They are also experienced in handling maintenance and repairs and in resolving disputes between tenants and landlords. Clients need to consider which type of expertise is more important for their specific needs.
At Civium Property Group, we have a team of experienced strata managers and property managers who can assist you in managing your property efficiently and effectively. We understand that managing a property can be challenging, which is why we’re committed to providing our clients with tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of professionals can help you manage your property successfully.
