5 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Strata Manager
Choosing the right strata manager can make or break your experience as a property owner. A good manager brings transparency, efficiency and genuine care to the table. A poor one? Hidden costs, headaches and missed opportunities. At Bettr Strata, we’ve seen it all and we’re here to help you spot the warning signs before they become costly mistakes.
1. Hidden fees and commissions
Red Flag: You receive a quote that looks reasonable, but later discover additional charges buried in the fine print—like commissions from insurance providers or inflated contractor fees.
Example: One owner was shocked to learn their strata manager was pocketing a 20 % commission on every insurance renewal, without disclosure. That’s just unethical.
What to look for: Ask for a full breakdown of fees and confirm whether the manager receives third-party commissions. Transparency is non-negotiable.
2. Poor communication
Red Flag: Emails go unanswered, meeting minutes are delayed, and you’re left chasing updates on urgent repairs or budget approvals.
Example: A committee waited three weeks for a response about a leaking roof—only to find out the manager hadn’t even logged the request.
What to look for: Choose a manager who offers clear, timely communication and digital access to all key documents. You shouldn’t have to chase basic information.
3. Lack of personalised service
Red Flag: Your property feels like just another number. The manager doesn’t understand your building’s unique needs or the community it serves.
Example: A heritage-listed building was treated like a standard apartment block, resulting in compliance issues and costly rectifications.
What to look for: A manager who takes the time to understand your property’s quirks and tailors their approach accordingly.
4. Overcomplicated processes
Red Flag: Simple tasks like booking maintenance or approving budgets require multiple forms, emails and follow-ups.
Example: One committee had to submit three separate requests just to get a garden tap fixed, each routed through a different department.
What to look for: A streamlined, all-in-one service model that makes strata management feel effortless, not bureaucratic.
5. Outdated practices
Red Flag: Your manager still relies on paper records, manual approvals and outdated software, making everything slower and less secure.
Example: A building missed a critical compliance deadline because the manager hadn’t updated their calendar system.
What to look for: A forward-thinking manager who embraces technology and stays current with legislation and best practices.
Final thoughts
If any of these red flags sound familiar, it might be time to reconsider your strata management. At Bettr Strata, we’re flipping the script, offering transparent pricing, personalised service and modern solutions that put people first.
Ready for a better way to manage your property?
📞 Reach out to Bettr Strata today for a no-obligation chat or explore our latest proposals to see how we’re changing the game.
Until next week,
JM