Strata Manager vs Property Manager - What Is The Difference?

Posted by Jeff Alstern on February 19th, 2023

Strata managers and property managers are two distinct professions in the real estate industry. Although there may be some overlap in their responsibilities, their roles are fundamentally different.

A strata manager is responsible for managing a strata scheme or a community title scheme, which is a form of property ownership in Australia that involves a group of owners who share common property and facilities.

The strata management service like Strata Data is appointed by the owners' corporation or body corporate and is responsible for managing the common property, ensuring compliance with strata laws and regulations, and providing administrative support to the owners' corporation. The strata manager is also responsible for ensuring that the building and its facilities are well-maintained and that any necessary repairs or maintenance are carried out promptly.

On the other hand, a property manager is responsible for managing individual properties on behalf of their owners or landlords. The primary role of a property manager is to find tenants, collect rent, and ensure that the property is well-maintained. Property managers also handle lease agreements, conduct property inspections, and deal with any issues or complaints that arise from tenants.

The following are some of the key differences between strata managers and property managers:

Scope of responsibility: A strata manager is responsible for managing the common property and facilities of a strata scheme, whereas a property manager is responsible for managing individual properties on behalf of their owners or landlords.

Legal requirements: Strata managers must have a license in order to practice in Australia and must comply with various strata laws and regulations. Property managers are also required to hold a license, but the legal requirements may differ from state to state.

Type of properties: Strata managers typically manage multi-unit residential or commercial buildings, whereas property managers may manage a range of properties, including apartments, houses, offices, and retail spaces.

Tenants and owners: Strata managers interact with both owners and tenants in a strata scheme, whereas property managers primarily interact with tenants and landlords.

Maintenance and repairs: Strata managers are responsible for ensuring that the building and its facilities are well-maintained, and any necessary repairs or maintenance are carried out promptly. Property managers also oversee maintenance and repairs of individual properties, but they do not have the same level of responsibility for common property as strata managers.

In summary, while both strata managers and property managers work in the real estate industry, they have different roles and responsibilities. Strata managers are responsible for managing the common property and facilities of a strata scheme, while property managers manage individual properties on behalf of owners or landlords. Understanding the differences between these two roles is essential when engaging with real estate professionals to ensure that you are working with the right person for your needs.