Strata Management in Victoria
What is an Owners Corporation and what are its primary responsibilities?
In Victoria, an Owners Corporation manages shared property and services. Its main duties include maintaining the building, managing finances, and ensuring legal compliance to protect your investment.
1
What does a strata manager do and how does the committee lead?
The strata manager handles daily tasks like administration, levies, and maintenance. The elected committee leads by making key decisions on behalf of all owners between annual meetings.
2
What is the AGM and can we set building-specific rules?
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is where owners vote on major strata matters. Owners Corporations can also set rules for noise or pets, provided they align with the 2006 Act.
3
Levies & Insurance
How are Owners Corporation fees (levies) calculated?
Levies are based on the community’s annual budget. Each owner pays a share determined by the specific lot liability set out in your plan of subdivision.
What are lot liability and lot entitlement?
Liability determines your levy amount, while entitlement defines your voting power and owner share of common property.
What happens if levies are not paid?
Late payments may incur interest and legal recovery costs. The corporation is authorised by the 2006 Act to recover all outstanding fees to protect the community's funds.
What insurance does an Owners Corporation require?
By law, we must insure building structures and public liability for common property. Additional cover is often tailored to your specific site requirements.
Maintenance & Repairs
Who handles repairs – the owner or the Owners Corporation?
In Victorian strata, the Owners Corporation maintains common property like roofs and external walls. Lot owners are responsible for their internal spaces, including all fixtures and appliances. Please check your plan of subdivision for exact property boundaries.
How do I report maintenance issues?
Contact your strata manager to report any maintenance needs. For urgent matters, please reach out immediately so we can coordinate a prompt response and arrange repairs.
What is considered an emergency?
Emergencies are situations posing an immediate safety risk or major threat to the building, such as burst water pipes, total power loss, or a compromise in security.
Are balcony repairs my responsibility?
Structural slabs and waterproof membranes are generally part of the common property. However, owners are typically responsible for maintaining floor tiles and clearing any drainage issues within their own lot.
Owners Corporation Guidance
What am I responsible for as a lot owner?
Generally, you are responsible for everything within your private lot, including internal fixtures, surfaces, and non-shared plumbing or electrical systems.
What is the Owners Corporation responsible for?
The Owners Corporation manages common property, structural maintenance, and building-wide insurance under the Owners Corporations Act 2006.
Can I renovate my lot?
Yes, however written approval is required for any works affecting common property. You must also adhere to building rules regarding noise, pets, and parking.