To become a strata manager in New South Wales (NSW), you need to follow a few specific steps, including gaining the required qualifications and experience. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Understand the Role of a Strata Manager

A strata manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a strata scheme. This includes tasks such as managing finances, coordinating repairs and maintenance, liaising with owners and tenants, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

2. Complete the Required Training

In NSW, to become a licensed strata manager, you need to complete a nationally recognised training course. This is typically a Certificate of Registration or a Strata Management qualification.

• Complete a Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP41419): This is the qualification needed to become a licensed strata manager in NSW. It covers all the necessary aspects of strata management, such as legislation, financial management, and dispute resolution.
  • The course can be done through various Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), both in-person and online.
  • Some institutions might also offer shorter courses for those who want to focus on particular areas, like financial management or building maintenance.

3. Obtain a Strata Management Licence

After completing the relevant training, you’ll need to apply for a Strata Managing Agent Licence through NSW Fair Trading. This requires:

• Proof of completing the Certificate IV in Strata Community Management.
• Being at least 18 years old.
• Being of good character (No criminal convictions that would disqualify you from the role).
• Proof of identification and residency (usually Australian citizenship or permanent residency).

Once you apply, NSW Fair Trading will assess your application, and if everything checks out, they will issue you a strata manager’s licence.

4. Gain Experience

In addition to formal education, having hands-on experience is very important. Many strata managers start working under the supervision of experienced professionals before taking on their own clients. This allows you to understand the practical aspects of the job, such as managing owners’ corporations, dealing with contractors, and handling disputes.

5. Ongoing Professional Development

Strata managers in NSW are required to complete continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their licences. This means attending workshops, seminars, or further training to keep up with changes in strata laws and industry standards.

6. Optional: Join a Professional Association

While this step is not mandatory, joining a professional body like the Strata Community Association (SCA) NSW can be beneficial. Being a member of an industry association provides networking opportunities, access to additional training resources, and credibility with clients.

Daily Tasks of a Strata Manager

You may also be interested in understanding the daily tasks of a Strata Manager, they include:

• Responding to emails, phone calls, and other communications from owners, tenants, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Providing updates and information to owners about matters such as maintenance issues, meetings, and strata-related decisions.
• Handling any complaints or disputes between owners or tenants.
• Coordinating and overseeing regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, gardening, and building repairs.
• Arranging emergency repairs if needed and liaising with contractors.
• Ensuring that the building or complex is safe and in good condition, performing regular inspections when necessary.
• Preparing and managing budgets for the strata scheme, including forecasting expenses for the year.
• Collecting levies from property owners and ensuring payments are made on time.
• Paying bills for services like water, electricity, cleaning, and insurance premiums.
• Organising annual financial statements and providing them to owners.
• Ensuring the strata scheme complies with relevant laws, such as the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 in NSW.
• Keeping track of insurance policies and ensuring they are up to date with the required coverage.
• Managing and ensuring adherence to the by-laws of the strata scheme.
• Organising building insurance and ensuring the policy covers all necessary risks.
• Managing claims related to property damage, accidents, or incidents within the strata scheme.
• Engaging and managing various contractors and service providers (cleaning, security, gardening, etc.).
• Obtaining quotes, negotiating contracts, and overseeing the completion of contracted work.

Strata Managers Wanted

Strata Managers are in high demand in our agency. If you are a qualified Strata Manager, reach out to us and we can share our current openings at Tink Recruitment. Or if you are an organisation looking to find staffing, we can assist with any enquiries you may have.