How do I join an owners’ corporation committee?

Living in a world of apartments is complex, so ask your question

Inside every building is a story that is told from many different perspectives. Life within apartment living is complex and join us as we answer your questions so we can all understand that world a little better.  

Kai asked us: I would like to join the committee to assist with the decision-making process for owners’ corporation (OC) related matters like improvements to amenities. How do I join?

A: A lot owner or proxy for a lot owner may join the committee by way of nomination at a general meeting subject to the owner not being in arrears for any amount owing to the OC. Once elected, committee members will typically hold office until a new committee is elected which is usually at the next general meeting (a meeting occurs in a 12- to 15-month timeframe).

It’s good to note that the position is a voluntary unpaid position and there are many important decisions that need to be made and governance to ensure the OC is running as intended, such as:

• payment to contractors
• quote approvals
• contract renewals
• complaints management
• compliance
• budgets
• maintaining common property
• insurance, etc.

A working relationship with your strata manager and building/facilities manager can add assistance and value to the duties of the OC committee.

Summer asked us: I’m already paying OC fees, but I still receive council rates notices. Why?

A: OC fees pertain exclusively to the building itself, covering maintenance, insurance, and upkeep, including essential service maintenance. Council rates notices, on the other hand, fund community infrastructure like waste management, parks, OH&S, and local roads.

In summary, as a member of the OC, your levies contribute to your building, while council rates support the broader community’s infrastructure and running costs beyond your home.

True story

A guest who had been staying at one of our managed buildings had only two hours before their flight departed. Unfortunately, they lost their AirPods and we faced an additional challenge as they couldn’t communicate in English to describe them.

Coincidentally, our building management had found three sets of AirPods that week in various communal areas, all of which were placed in lost property. To make matters worse, each set of headphones looked identical.

However, our quick thinking prevailed when we asked the guest to play some music, which connected to their AirPods. With Filipino rap music now making its mark on our playlists, the guest’s flight wasn’t missed, and the AirPods found their way back to their rightful owner.

Have a question that you would like answered? Submit yours to [email protected] and stay tuned to future editions. •