The strata scheme is part of the real estate world that takes care of segmented property ownership. The idea behind implementing and legalizing the strata strategy is to define the responsibilities of the original and part owners of a property. The strata scheme applies to multi level or segmented property like houses or apartments. The strata scheme is designed to enable the lot owners to determine their areas of responsibility. The scheme defines the common areas that call for collective responsibility like the stair cases and corridors and the private areas on the premises. The legalities involved in implementing the strata scheme are taken care of a professional referred to as the strata manager.

The strata manager is proficient in the strata management services required for the scheme to be implemented successfully. The strata manager adheres to the rules and regulations set by the strata corporation and ensures that the lot owners do too. The strata manager is employed on a contractual basis to see that the strata management scheme requirements are met and taken care of in the designed fashion. It is the responsibility of the lot owners of a property to take care and ensure that the rights and obligations of the strata manager are explained and agreed to within the strata management contract signed between the concerned parties. The strata manager performs functions that relate to his or her relationship with the property defined within the entire strata corporation and not only the strata council. The strata manager is answerable to the strata council and has to adhere to and take care of the instructions received from the council.

The council supervises the duties allotted to the strata manager. The strata manager is also answerable to the lot owners. The typical duties of a strata manager include making the arrangements for the services required by the strata corporation. He or she also designs the contracts required to be in place to look after landscaping and insurance and overall maintenance of the property in question. The strata manager is also responsible for the collection of the strata fees applicable and the regular and timely payments of the applicable strata corporation bills. The strata manager helps the lot owners to access any strata corporation records, when and as needed. There is a detailed Instruction Guide that specified and defines the duties and responsibilities of a strata manager. The professional is also responsible for:

• Preparation of documentation required within the laws and by laws of the Strata Act, on behalf of the strata corporation.

• Attendance at all the scheduled strata council meetings and maintenance of the records of each – minutes, distribution of sensitive data etc

• Offering timely advice on the special requirements of the Strata Act.

• Preparation of the budgets and financial statements for the strata co operation agreed upon.

However, under the regulations of the Strata Act, the strata manager has limitations to his functions. He or she cannot, without consent act as an arbitrator in any relevant proceeding and neither can he or she keep within custody the strata corporation records - four weeks post termination. The strata manager is also not permitted to take on the role of a proxy lot holder or hold a hearing on behalf of the strata council.