Compulsory strata managers
A Compulsory strata manager is a strata manager that has been appointed by the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal to manage a strata scheme. This can happen for a number of reasons and usually follows from a formal complaint being made by way of Mediation and Adjudication to the Tribunal following which an Order is Made to appoint a Compulsory strata manager:
- failure to repair and maintain the common property;
- protracted disputes between owners;
- failure to make decisions or properly manage the affairs of a strata scheme;
- corruption, incompetence or demonstrably poor decision making processes;
- legal frustration, particularly in small strata schemes; or
- insanity or similar behaviours.
The beauty of a Compulsory strata manager is that they have an authority from the Tribunal to make all necessary decisions, and make them fast (unless limitations are placed on the power of the strata manager). For many strata schemes, the appointment of a Compulsory strata manager is the best thing that ever happened, decisions get made, special levies are called, the building gets repaired, by-laws get passed, improvements can be made, kitchens are renovated, bathrooms renovated and progress is made. In some cases the Compulsory strata manager will then take all necessary action to take debtors to court and collect unpaid levies.
Generally speaking, the only people who are disadvantaged when a Compulsory strata manager is appointed are those who are resistant to change and do not want to spend money.
