What Does a Body Corporate Manager Do?
If you live in a flat or townhouse in New Zealand, you may have encountered a Body Corporate Manager. These professionals play a crucial role in managing shared property spaces, ensuring the smooth operation of the community while adhering to industry standards. Unlike property or building managers, Body Corporate Managers handle broader administrative, financial, and community tasks. Here’s a detailed look at what they do.
Key Responsibilities of a Body Corporate Manager
The role of a Body Corporate Manager is defined in New Zealand's Unit Titles Act 2010, ensuring they uphold accountability, ethical standards, and professionalism in managing unit title properties.
1. Ensuring Legal Compliance
- Adherence to Laws: Body Corporate Managers ensure that housing schemes comply with all relevant laws, including Work Health and Safety regulations, safeguarding residents' rights and welfare.
- Keeping Up-to-Date: Managers stay informed about legal changes that affect body corporate responsibilities, maintaining compliance with property legislation and codes of conduct.
2. Financial Management
- Budgeting and Expenses: Managers handle the body corporate’s financial matters, such as budgeting, managing funds, and ensuring bills are paid on time.
- Transparent Reporting: Clear financial reporting gives owners a transparent view of the community’s financial health, including managing funds for repairs, maintenance, and shared facilities.
3. Administrative Duties
- Meetings and Communication: The manager organizes meeting notices, agendas, and minutes to keep all members informed about community matters.
- Central Point of Contact: Acting as a bridge between owners, residents, and external parties, the manager handles communications, ensuring everyone is updated on community-related issues.
4. Community and Common Area Oversight
- Common Area Management: Body Corporate Managers oversee communal spaces such as gardens, parking, and recreational facilities, addressing maintenance needs as they arise.
- Community Relations: Managers often mediate community issues to maintain a harmonious environment for all residents.
What Should a Body Corporate Manager’s Contract Include?
The Unit Titles Act 2010 emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in Body Corporate Manager contracts. Essential clauses include:
- Regular Reporting: Managers must provide regular updates on their performance and adherence to the code of conduct.
- Performance Reviews: Scheduled reviews with measurable goals help assess the manager’s effectiveness.
- Conflict of Interest: Managers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest to maintain trust within the community.
Differentiating Roles: Body Corporate Manager vs. Property Manager
It’s essential to understand the difference between a Body Corporate Manager and a Property Manager:
- Body Corporate Managers: Focus on managing the entire property complex and shared responsibilities for the community.
- Property Managers: Handle individual units within the complex, bridging communication between the unit owner, tenant, and the body corporate. Tasks may include rent collection, tenant screening, and ensuring tenants comply with strata rules.
Importance of Record-Keeping and Transparency
Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, Body Corporate Managers are required to maintain accurate records and uphold transparency. This ensures effective monitoring, addressing disputes or complaints, and providing accountability and clear communication to the community.
Oxygen – Body Corporate Management Experts
At Oxygen, our experienced Body Corporate Management team specializes in unit title developments, ensuring full compliance with the Unit Titles Act 2010. We deliver customized solutions to suit the unique needs of each property, backed by a team well-versed in tenancy law and property management.
Ready to elevate your Body Corporate experience? Contact Oxygen for a free proposal today! Call us at 04 619 1000 or email [email protected].
Contact Us
For more information on how Oxygen can support your Body Corporate, please reach out. We’re here to help you get the most from your property management.
