We hear this question asked on a fairly regular basis from strata corporations reaching out to us to learn more about our services.
In the old days, property mangers would frequent the properties that they manage fairly regularly. They might visit to allow access to contractors, read the meter, or perhaps meet onsite with Council.
Fast forward to today, and most strata agents don’t really do this anymore…but why???
Why are most strata managers not working onsite?
Well, most of it has to do with the business needs and the way that we as a society now communicate. Even 5 years ago (pre- Covid), most meetings were done onsite, which necessitated the strata managing agent hopping in his or her car, driving 30-45 minutes to your property, holding the meeting, then driving home at 9:30 at night. When they were onsite, they could look around the property and identify any issues. As you can imagine, if you’re doing this 2-3 nights per week, 52 weeks per year, it’s going to grow somewhat tiresome.
Nowadays, most meeting are held via video, so most strata property managers aren’t coming to site unless it’s for a specific purpose.
Add to that the fact that email volume has increased exponentially in the past 10 years, and most Vancouver strata agents don’t have the time to drive to your building to address what could be handled over video, phone, or email.
There is also the misconception that strata managers are building managers, granting access to to contractors, overseeing maintenance staff, attending to emergency situations, etc. A building manager role is very different from that of a strata agent, and it’s important to understand that distinction when signing an agreement with your strata property management company about what is and what is not included in your agency agreement.
What is the solution to this problem?
The best solution is to communicate your concerns with your strata manager, and your strata management company. Ask them to frequent your property on an annual or semi-annual basis, and ensure that you add this expectation into your agency agreement. Remember that expectation management is the key to a healthy relationship between the Strata Council, and the Strata Management Company.
Looking for some strata management advice? Reach out to us here today!