If you’re currently a member of an owner’s corporation, and you believe it’s time to change the owners corporation managers, you might be wondering where to start. Whether your current manager is not delivering on your expectations, or you’ve found someone who you believe will be a better fit, it’s critical to understand the process of changing an owner’s corporation manager in Victoria. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process and offer some important tips for making the transition as smooth and painless as possible.
Step 1: Call a General Meeting
The first step in changing your owner’s corporation (formerly called body corporate) manager is to call a general meeting of the owners. Be sure to give proper notice of the meeting, and ensure the agenda includes the proposed change to your OC manager. The meeting should adhere to the rules laid out in the Owners Corporations Act 2006. The meeting should be called by the chair or secretary of the OC, or by an owner nominated by lot owners whose lot entitlements total at least 25% of all lot entitlements for your property.
Step 2: Prepare the Resolution
To change your OC manager, you must propose a resolution at the meeting. More specifically, the resolution needs to include the details of the proposed change, such as the name of the new manager and how soon owners would like the change to occur. A rationale for why the owners support the change is also often included.
Step 3: Take a Vote
Once you’ve proposed the resolution, the owners must be given the opportunity to vote on it. To pass, the resolution must be supported by at least 50% of the owners, plus one. If the resolution achieves this threshold, the committee will be authorised to appoint the new OC manager.
Step 4: Appoint the New OC Manager
Once the resolution has been passed, the committee can appoint the new manager. This is typically done by signing a management agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of the appointment. The agreement should be in writing and should be kept on file by the owner’s corporation.
Step 5: Notify the Relevant Parties
Once you’ve appointed the new OC manager, you must notify the relevant parties, such as the previous manager, the owners, and the relevant authorities. This ensures that everyone is aware of the change and that the new manager has all the necessary information and resources to carry out their duties.
Tips for A Smooth Transition
- Clear Communication: Throughout the process of changing your OC manager, it’s important to communicate clearly and effectively with all relevant parties: the current manager, the owners, and the new OC manager. Keeping parties informed and updated helps to ensure the transition is as smooth (and as painless) as possible.
- Consider your Impact: When changing the owner’s corporation manager, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on the community. If the current manager is well-liked and respected, the change may be difficult for some owners to accept. By considering this and communicating openly and honestly with all owners, you can help to minimise any concerns.
- Seek Expert Help: If you’re not confident in your ability to navigate the process of changing your OC manager, consider seeking professional assistance. Strata management professionals can help you to understand the key legal requirements and ensure that the process is carried out in a fair and transparent way.
Ultimately, changing an owner’s corporation management in Victoria is a process that requires careful consideration and effective communication. By following the process outlined in this guide and taking the time to understand the legal requirements, you can maximise the chances of a smooth and efficient transition.