Current Industry Issues

CURRENT INDUSTRY ISSUES

Get Updated on What’s Happening with Strata

SCA has gathered some of the most interesting themes within the strata industry over the past few months, which have been both positively and negatively effecting the Strata industry, and the tenants/owners of the Strata properties.

AI in Strata

Artificial intelligence is being used within the strata industry, and is revolutionising property management. AI is being used to automate various tasks such as streamlining AGM’s (annual general meetings) through automation of scheduling, sending reminders and generating minute actions.

AI is also being used to forecast maintenance needs, allowing for a proactive approach rather than a reactive one which can sometimes lead to costly repairs. Invoicing and financial tracking and analysis is another aspect that AI can help with. Although AI is definitely something to consider in our ever evolving world, there are still a myriad of challenges and considerations that come with the integration of AI.

 

Building Defects

Building defects still remain a significant issue within the industry, ranging from minor defects such as poor paintwork to major structural problems such as water ingress and faulty cladding. The financial impact of addressing these defects can be substantial, costing strata communities time, money and hardship.

To address these issues as best possible, the government has introduced initiatives such as building bonds and cladding replacement programs although due to low take ups in some areas, these initiatives are not being carried out to the full intended extent.

 

To read more about the most recent industry issues, visit the link below.

Industry Issues

The Role of Strata Managers

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF STRATA MANAGERS

What is a Strata Managers Role?

A Strata Manager is an individual, partnership or company engaged by a strata council to perform specified scheme functions under a written strata management contract to help manage the strata titles scheme. Although Strata managers are not legally required to be licensed in WA, there are educational and personal requirements that all managers must meet, including educational qualifications, national criminal record checks, and maintaining a minimum level of professional indemnity insurance. At All Strata Management Services, all of our Strata managers are level IV certified (at minimum) with yearly criminal record checks and insurances.

Strata managers responsibilities can vary, although their main responsibilities include handling administrative tasks, managing insurance matters, facilitating meetings and effective communication, resolving conflicts, and coordinating maintenance and repairs.

To read more about the role of Strata Managers, read the PDF below.

the-role-of-strata-managers—fact-sheet.pdf

Strata Management Education Changes

STRATA MANAGERS - EDUCATION MANDATE

Strata Management Education Changes

The state government has proposed a new, enhanced model for strata management education qualifications in Western Australia. After extensive research within the Strata industry, the new model proposes to elevate professional knowledge and experience in WA’s Strata management industry.

These improvements are expected to provide substantial benefits to Strata owners and tenants once
implemented, ensuring all Strata managers have a minimum Certificate IV qualification in Strata Community management. This will ensure all owners and tenants are able to work with Strata managers who are professional, experienced and knowledgeable about the industry and legislations.

To read more about the proposed Strata Management Education changes, visit the link below:

Strata management education changes | Landgate

Pet Application and Agreement

Insurance Claim Information Sheet

Owners Forms & Requests

Insurance Claim Information Sheet

Please complete the form below to enable a claim to be lodged on your behalf for consideration by the insurance company. Please note that in the event that the claim is denied, and the damage is NOT to common property, any repairs carried out to the damage on your request will be your responsibility.

Address of Strata Property

If property has been stolen or damaged please complete the following:
1. What Was Damaged?
2. Date, Time of Loss/Damage
3. State The Circumstances
3a How did damage occur?
3b Person/s Responsible?
4. Repair Details
4a Have repairs been carried out?
Cost of repairs if already done.
If Yes to 4a Answer the next TWO Questions
4b Name of Repair Company?
4c Has account been paid?
PLEASE ATTACH ACCOUNT *
5. Malicious Damage Claims Must be Reported to Police (eg. Vandalism/Break-ins/Graffiti etc)
6. Vehicle Impact Damage Claim Only
6a Name of Person who caused damage:
6b Address of Person who caused damage:
6c Make/Model & Registration of vehicle:
DECLARATION / AUTHORITY
I declare that the information given above is true and accurate.

Application to Carry out Alterations or Additions

Application to Install Air Conditioner

Australian First for All Strata

AUSTRALIAN FIRST FOR ALL STRATA

All Strata Management Services – First business to achieve SMPS Certification

All Strata Management Services has officially become the first business in Australia to achieve Strata Management Practice Standard (SMPS) Certification. This certification means so much for our Director, Cherith Pettitt-Jones, who alongside her team has worked tirelessly to be a leader within the Strata industry. According to Cherith, “It is very exciting to be the first business in all of Australia certified, especially as this program was originally driven by WA so it’s nice to have a WA company be the first.”

Due to the absence of licensing requirements for Strata Managers, the SMPS program helps to provide peace of mind for property owners, knowing that our business policies, procedures and accounts are audited annually. Cherith made note that “there is a perception out there that strata managers are licensed, regulated and governed although Strata is actually a self-regulated industry and it is so encouraging that our peak body is now doing something to put certifications in place.”

Throughout the qualification process, Cherith was required to put in writing her long standing, often verbal, policies and procedures which ensures that our clients are supported and can trust us with their Strata management requirements.


What is the SPS Certification?

SMPS is a voluntary practice for strata management businesses, in relation to their own internal procedures as well as contractual relationships with their clients. Through an independent audit process, the SMPS recognises strata management businesses that have developed and adhered to documented internal processes, which are implemented to improve both client satisfaction and internal business processes.

To read more about our certification, view here: Practice Standard | SCA Ltd

Standard Accounting Services

ACCOUNTING SERVICES

All Strata offers a range of Accounting Services to their clients. These services are designed to take the worry and stress out of ensuring your property is well managed, operating efficiently and responsively and compliant with all the WA Strata Management rules, reporting and regulation requirements. Please see our range of Accounting Services below:

Schedule A Services

*These services are covered in the Standard Management and Disbursement Fee Charge

ü  Establish and Maintain required ADI account

ü  Issue contributions notices (such as levy invoices, special levy invoices and owner recovery invoices)

ü  Pay disbursement and expenses incurred in connection with the Strata Company Management

ü  Manage books of accounts covering income and expenditure and assets and liabilities of the Strata

ü  Provide annual financial statement of statutory reconciled accounts including balance sheets, statement of income and expenditure status reports

ü  Provide council members with monthly cash management statements outlining income and expenditure, plus monies in trust and external

ü  Assist with preparation of administrative and reserve fund budgets

ü  Pay creditors invoices on behalf of the Strata Company

ü  Assist auditors in providing accounts and records for annual audit of trust account and managers

ü  Assist compliance auditors in providing documents for annual business certification

ü  Assist with preparation of information required for submission of annual company tax return to the ATO

ü  Record money received and deposited to the credit of the Strata Company

ü  Provide specialised management software

ü  Process and provide BPay and manual receipts

Schedule B Services charged as additional services

*These services are charged as additional services 

ü  Assist with obtaining ABN and TFN registration

ü  Establish and operate additional ADI accounts

ü  Assist with preparation of information for registered tax agents/accountants to lodge installment/business activity statements

ü  Issue invoices for schemes with gas, water or electricity meters in situ

ü  Processing of dishonored cheques for contribution payments, levy payment or owner recovery payments

ü  Monitor and arrange for recovery of contributions or other monies recoverable by Strata Company

ü  Establish operation of Interest Bearing or Term Deposit Accounts

ü  Assist with contractor compliance (ABN validation, public/product liability, professional indemnity insurance and workers compensation insurance)

ü  Purchase of common seal/minutes book if required

ü  Providing title of other searches for Strata Company

ü  Maintain key and security device registers

ü  Archive retrieval 

Standard Secretarial Services

SECRETARIAL SERVICES

All Strata offers a range of Secretarial services to its clients. These services are designed to take the worry and stress out of ensuring your property is well managed, operating efficiently and responsively and complaint with all the WA Strata Management rules, reporting and regulation requirements. Our services include:

Schedule A Services

*These services are covered in the Standard Management and Disbursement Fee

ü  Prepare and Lodge routine insurance claims

ü  Arrange insurance valuations

ü Obtain quotes for insurance renewal

ü  Submit quotes to Council of Owners and renew insurance as instructed

ü  Obtain quotes and liaise with suppliers, regarding routine and non-routine maintenance, renewal or replacement of common property and Strata Company personal property

ü  Issue work orders on behalf of Strata Company regarding routine maintenance, renewal or replacement of common property

ü  Assist with obtaining 10 year building maintenance plan and its review as required

ü  Maintain Strata Roll

ü  Maintain records of minutes, resolutions, contracts and notices required under the Act and Regulations

ü  Maintain records of correspondence 

ü  Maintain custody of common seal (if applicable)

ü  Refer to Council any correspondence, enquiries, complaints and requests for information made under section 107

ü  Record and retain notices required under the Act

ü  Prepare and distribute notice of AGM

ü  Attend AGM meetings during business hours

ü  Submit statement off accounts and budgets to AGM

ü  Prepare and distribute AGM meeting minutes and advise Council of Owners of work carried out

ü  Prepare and distribute notice of Extraordinary General Meeting to all Proprietors

ü  Prepare and distribute notice of Council of Owners

ü  Answer queries from owners about By-Laws

ü  Prepare and issue notices for breaches of By-Laws

ü  Arrange and obtain quotes for independent agents and contractors to carry out maintenance/repairs

ü  Provide personalised out of office hours emergency contacts list on website

ü  Provide 24/7 access to exclusive owners portal 

Schedule B Services charged as additional services

*These services are charged as additional services

ü  Arrange and supply archiving facility

ü  Initial data entry and archive research

ü  Closing off Strata company books and records

ü  Provide and prepare Section 110 certificate

ü  Provision of information requested under Section 107 of the Act

ü  Additional AGM attendance after the initial hour

ü  Attendance at AGM after business hours

ü  Attendance at adjourned AGM meetings

ü  Venue arrangement for AGM, COO and EGM

After Hours Emergency Maintenance

Please click your property below to download the Emergency Maintenance Information Sheet. If your property is not listed, please download the Standard Emergency Maintenance Information Sheet.