Whether you’re moving into your first property as part of a block or moving somewhere new where things are done a bit differently, it’s good to know who’s who and responsible for what.
You might come across the terms ‘owners corporation (OC) management’, ‘building manager’, and ‘property manager’ and wonder what the difference is. Below we break down exactly what each role is responsible for.
What is an OC manager responsible for?
The OC manager works on behalf of the owners corporation management company responsible for managing the building. This is a dedicated, licensed individual who can support day-to-day administrative management and legislative responsibilities.
The types of activities the OC manager (who might also be referred to as the strata manager) is responsible for include:
- Managing common areas throughout the whole building including repairs and maintenance, pool and gym facilities, and communal social areas, indoors and out.
- Providing guidance on legal and financial matters including insurance, compliance, appropriate record-keeping and financials where required.
- Keeping oversight across safety issues and requirements for the building including fire systems and entry systems.
- Coordinating, managing and setting meeting schedules, including annual general meetings, and managing OC fee payments.
They can also step in to support dispute matters, working as the go-between for the owners corporation and lot owners, working to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
What is a building manager responsible for?
A building manager, or facilities manager, is an individual usually hired to support day-to-day repairs and maintenance, property upkeep and additional requirements such as health and safety management.
Building managers often act as the go-between for OC managers, lot owners, and external contractors to provide effective and efficient support across a range of building-related issues, which can include:
- Cleaning of external areas, common grounds, and garden maintenance.
- Management of security, including surveillance monitoring equipment and recording, signing in external contractors or other guests relating to OC management.
- Carrying out repairs and maintenance within the scope of their skills and expertise or coordinating external tradesmen where required.
- Maintaining building compliance records relating to health and safety.
- Keeping lot owners up to date on any upcoming or ongoing repairs, maintenance or building-related matters either via digital communications, at meetings, or via common notice boards.
Director inspecting equipment
What is a property manager for?
A property manager is similar to an OC manager, but with the clear distinction that they’re employed to manage an individual property within the wider block, rather than the entire block.
Property managers tend to work in real estate and are hired by lot owners to manage the tenancies of their properties if they’re renting them out. Property managers are the go-between for the lot owner and the tenant. Their responsibilities generally involve:
- Coordinating and managing lease listings, handling enquiries, screening potential tenants and coordinating paperwork for new and exiting tenants.
- Carrying out property checks within a required schedule (typically every 3-4months) to ensure the property is being well-maintained.
- Managing any repair and maintenance requests for the individual property and liaising with building managers where appropriate.
- Managing the finances of the property that relate to the tenancy such as collecting rent payments and ensuring bonds are paid.
Do all properties have all three?
Not all buildings or property blocks will have all three of these professions involved in their management and depending on your role with the property, you might not have any need to interact with all three.
For example, if your lot is an investment property that you’re leasing, you might liaise with the OC manager and a property manager, but not the building manager. If you’re a tenant, you might liaise with the property manager regularly and building manager for repairs when needed, but not the OC manager.
Small blocks might not have an OC manager and instead may prefer to manage things themselves to save on costs.
Looking for an OC management firm in Victoria?
If you’re based in Victoria and think an OC manager could be what you’re in need of, AboveOCM can help.
Our OC managers are highly experienced and licensed in all aspects of OC management. We believe in delivering the best service to ensure your property is looked after and managed above and beyond expectations. Contact us today if you’re looking for a more efficient owners corporation management.
