Managing a strata property in NSW involves far more than just paying levies or organising repairs. It requires a working knowledge of legislation, strong financial management, and effective communication between owners, committees, and residents. That’s where professional strata managing agents come in.
Their role is to provide expert advice, streamline complex processes, and ensure that every aspect of a strata scheme—from budgets and by-laws to maintenance and compliance—is handled efficiently and in line with legislation.
For many owners, the true value of a strata manager isn’t always obvious—until something goes wrong. But having a qualified, experienced agent in place can help prevent issues before they arise, protect the long-term value of your property, and reduce the burden on volunteer committees. A good strata manager adds clarity, structure, and peace of mind—freeing up owners to focus on what matters most: maintaining a well-run building and enjoying their community.
What is a Strata Manager?
A strata manager in NSW is a licensed professional appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of a strata scheme on behalf of owners and committees. But beyond the paperwork and compliance, a strata manager acts as a knowledgeable partner—bringing years of experience, practical insight, and a calm, solutions-first approach to every challenge.,
What sets us apart is the way we build long-term relationships with our clients. For over 60 years, we’ve worked closely with committees and owners across NSW, taking the time to understand each building’s unique needs and goals. It’s this collaborative, hands-on approach that empowers our clients to make confident decisions, while we take care of the details behind the scenes.
Strata Manager Responsibilities: What Do We Actually Do?
Strata management is a broad field—and for good reason. A well-managed strata scheme is safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for everyone who lives or invests in it. Here’s how we support our clients every day:
Financial Management & Budgeting
Strata managers oversee the financial health of strata schemes by collecting levies, managing budgets, preparing financial statements, and ensuring effective fund allocation. We provide regular reports and insights to support informed decision-making, identify cost-saving opportunities, review service contracts, and assist with forecasting long-term capital works expenditure to maintain financial stability.
Maintenance & Contractor Coordination
A core responsibility is ensuring well-maintained and compliant common property. This includes coordinating routine maintenance such as cleaning, gardening, and lift servicing, as well as arranging urgent repairs when necessary. We engage and manage contractors, oversee work quality, and verify appropriate insurances and documentation. We prioritise preventative maintenance to preserve assets and minimise costly repairs.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
Navigating strata legislation can be complex, particularly in a landscape like NSW where laws and regulations are frequently updated. Strata managers ensure that the scheme remains compliant with the Strata Schemes Management Act, relevant fire safety requirements, work health and safety obligations, and more. They also assist in drafting and enforcing by-laws, lodging documents with NSW Fair Trading, managing annual general meetings in accordance with legal requirements, and coordinating the renewal and management of building insurance.
Administrative Management
Behind the scenes, strata teams handle a significant volume of administrative tasks that keep the scheme running smoothly. This includes preparing agendas and minutes for meetings, maintaining strata records, managing correspondence with owners and residents, issuing notices, keeping track of important dates (like compliance deadlines), and facilitating the election of committee members. These administrative processes help ensure clarity, structure, and accountability within the scheme.
Building Works & Capital Projects
From small renovations to major remedial works, strata managers play an essential role in guiding schemes through building projects. This includes helping committees understand the scope and process, sourcing quotes, liaising with consultants, reviewing defect reports, and supporting the implementation of large-scale repairs or improvements. Their involvement helps projects stay on track, compliant, and within budget.
Dispute Resolution & Mediation
Living in close proximity can sometimes lead to disputes. Strata managers assist by offering early-stage mediation and guiding parties through fair, practical solutions, whether it’s noise complaints, by-law breaches, or disagreements within the committee. Their objective, professional approach helps de-escalate tensions before they become legal matters and encourages positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Meeting Support & Committee Guidance
Strata managers act as an advisor to the committee, providing guidance on governance, compliance, and best practice. They chair or assist with meetings such as AGMs and EGMs, help interpret legislation and offer advice to support decision-making. Their presence brings structure, ensures procedural requirements are met, and empowers committees to lead with confidence.
Community Building & Communication
Beyond the technical aspects, strata managers also play a vital role in building strong, connected communities. They facilitate open lines of communication between owners, tenants, and committees; provide access to online portals or newsletters; and help foster a culture of cooperation and respect. A well-managed scheme is not just compliance, it’s a place where people feel safe, informed, and engaged.
How do Strata Managers Help Committees?
In every strata building, decisions need to be made about budgets, maintenance, by-laws, and future planning. These decisions are typically handled by a group of elected owners, known as the strata committee, who volunteer their time to help manage the scheme.
Managing a building is no small task. That’s why strata managers play such an important role. They don’t replace the committee, they support it. A good strata manager lifts the administrative burden, handles the day-to-day operations, and brings expert knowledge to the table, so that owners can focus on what matters most.
From managing finances and ensuring legal compliance to coordinating maintenance and guiding long-term planning, strata managers do the heavy lifting behind the scenes—while the committee steers the direction of the building. It’s a partnership that helps protect the value of your property, reduce risk, and create a more harmonious place to live.
Do I Need a Strata Manager in NSW?
If your building is self-managed, you’ll already know that overseeing a strata scheme can be demanding. From staying across complex regulations to managing repairs, finances, and resident concerns, it’s a lot to take on, especially for volunteer owners trying to juggle these responsibilities with their day-to-day lives.
You might benefit from engaging a professional strata manager if:
- Tasks like levy collection, meeting coordination, or financial reporting are becoming overwhelming
- Maintenance and repairs are delayed or inconsistently handled
- There’s uncertainty around legal compliance or by-law enforcement
- Disputes between owners are escalating without resolution
- You’re unsure how to plan for long-term building repairs or capital works
Even in small or well-intentioned self-managed buildings, gaps in knowledge or resources can create costly problems down the line. A strata manager brings structure, experience, and peace of mind, ensuring your building runs efficiently, remains compliant with NSW legislation, and continues to be a great place to live or invest.
Choosing the Right Strata Manager
A strata manager plays a key role in the success of your building, so it’s worth finding someone you can trust, someone who understands the complexities of strata and cares about your community as much as you do.
At Strata Logic, we’ve spent decades working alongside owners and committees across NSW, building relationships that last. Here’s what we believe makes a great strata manager, and what you should look for when choosing yours:
Experience where it counts
Look for a team with a deep understanding of NSW legislation, backed by years of hands-on experience managing schemes just like yours. This knowledge ensures your building stays compliant and protected, no matter what changes come your way.
Clear, human communication
Strata can be complex, but your communication with your manager shouldn’t be. You should expect timely responses, honest advice, and a team that genuinely listens and takes the time to explain things clearly.
Smart systems that make life easier
A good strata manager embraces technology to make everyday tasks simpler, whether that’s accessing records online, lodging maintenance requests, or staying on top of financials with real-time reporting.
Support that fits your building
Every building is different. You deserve a strata manager who takes the time to understand your property and tailors their support to suit your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
A reputation for care and consistency
The best strata managers build trust over time. They’re known for getting things done, following through, and being a reliable partner to both committees and owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a strata manager actually do in NSW?
A strata manager oversees the day-to-day running of a strata scheme. This includes managing finances, coordinating maintenance and repairs, ensuring compliance with NSW legislation, supporting committee meetings, handling disputes, and helping owners make informed decisions about their building.
How does a strata manager work with the committee?
The committee sets the direction for the building, and the strata manager brings that direction to life. By handling the operational tasks—like levies, by-laws, communication, and compliance—the strata manager supports the committee to lead with clarity and confidence.
Can a strata manager actually help us save money?
Yes. A good strata manager will help you budget effectively, prevent unnecessary expenses through proactive maintenance, and negotiate better service agreements. They’ll also guide you in planning for the long term—helping avoid large, unexpected costs down the track.
Q: What should we look for in a strata manager?
Look for experience in NSW strata law, strong communication, reliable systems, and a genuine commitment to understanding your building. The best managers aren’t just reactive—they’re proactive, transparent, and invested in your community’s long-term success.
