Self-Managed Owners Corporations: Avoiding the Common Pitfalls
In summary Self-managing an owners corporation is completely legal in Victoria, and plenty of owners run their schemes well, particularly in smaller buildings where the workload may be lighter. An owners corporation is a legal entity with real obligations under the Owners Corporations Act 2006, covering record-keeping, financial management, insurance, maintenance and fee collection. One […]
The Real Value of Transparent Communication in Strata
In summary Transparency in an owners corporation isn’t about the volume of information shared. It’s ultimately whether owners understand what is happening, why, and how decisions are made. Clear communication can prevent disputes, produce better-informed owners, and build confidence through difficult decisions such as special levies, defect works and increased insurance premiums. Victoria’s currently proposed […]
EV Charging in Strata: Are your OC rules and approval processes keeping pace?
As more residents seek access to electric vehicle charging, owners corporations need a clear way to assess requests. From an insurance and risk perspective, the important questions extend beyond the charger itself to the building’s electrical capacity, common property, fire safety, responsibilities, records and insurer requirements. A single charger may seem straightforward. In a shared […]
Common property power and gas bills: Is your Owners Corporation getting the best rates?
In summary: Common property power and gas bills should be reviewed regularly, even in smaller Owners Corporations. Comparing rates, supply charges and usage patterns can help identify better-value energy plans. Clear records and committee oversight make it easier to manage recurring costs and explain decisions to owners. Common property energy bills can quietly become […]
Is Your Building Ready for a Fire Emergency?
Essential Safety Measures and Evacuation Diagrams When an emergency occurs, every second counts. Ensuring occupants and visitors can leave the building safely begins with maintaining a building’s Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) and keeping them compliant with current regulations. It also includes having clear, up-to-date evacuation diagrams that support occupants and visitors in responding quickly and safely when it matters most. […]
How to Review Contractor Service Agreements
Common property service agreements: are your contractors still the right fit? Great committees are proactive committees Strong committees don’t just respond to issues as they arise they stay engaged with the services that support their building and protect their property value. Common property service agreements often run in the background. A contractor attends, an invoice […]
Reform on the Horizon: Preparing Your Owners Corporation for Victoria’s Potential 2026 Changes
In summary Victoria’s Owners Corporations Act 2006 is heading towards its most significant overhaul in years. In June 2026 the State Government responded to a wide-ranging expert panel review and backed the majority of its 51 recommendations. Potential changes being signalled include a licensing regime for owners corporation managers, stronger record-keeping and disclosure, fairer voting, […]
Planning for the Unexpected: A Practical Guide to Emergency Preparedness in Strata
In summary Emergencies happen, and strata communities are not immune. The most common: burst pipes, severe weather and fire are the issues that most often disrupt strata living. Because people live side by side and share common property, an emergency in one lot can quickly affect many, which makes a planned, building-wide approach far more […]
Strata Claims: How the right support helps behind the scenes
How your strata manager, insurance broker and claims team help guide the process Discovering damage to your strata property is stressful. Whether it’s water coming through the ceiling, damage to flooring or walls, or part of your property that can’t be used safely, it can quickly raise a lot of questions. What needs to happen […]
Building Harmony: Why Respect is the Secret Ingredient to a Thriving Community
At MBCM Strata Specialists, our purpose is simple: we’re here to help strata communities thrive. We believe that a great place to live isn’t just about the building it’s about the people inside it and the relationships we build together. Recently, we’ve noticed a rise in tough interactions with some of our clients. We get […]