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Learn how PICA Group specialises in body corporate management and what body corporate means for QLD properties. Manage your property with us today.
A body corporate refers to the legal entity automatically formed by the owners of individual units within a community titles scheme property, such as apartments, townhouses, or commercial offices. The body corporate is created when land is subdivided and registered under the Land Title Act 1994.
In Queensland, the term body corporate refers to the legal entity responsible for managing the shared property and ensuring the wellbeing of the communal living environment. This group consists of all individual lot owners of the property, who are referred to as the body corporate.
When an owner purchases a lot within a community titles scheme, owners automatically become members of the body corporate.
Body corporate management, also known as strata management, is engaged to help with financial and administration duties under a community titles scheme. This scope can include assisting with:
This support is provided to help facilitate harmonious living for all residents.
A body corporate automatically forms when a community titles scheme is registered. Every property owner within the complex becomes a member of the body corporate.
Every body corporate is required to form a committee. Made up of elected owners, the body corporate committee is typically chosen during the annual general meeting (AGM). This committee’s duties include managing the daily administrative tasks and executing decisions related to the body corporate’s obligations.
As an owner of a property (or a lot), you’re encouraged to engage in AGMs even if you are not a member of the committee. You can propose motions for the ’body corporate’s consideration (such as recommendations for maintenance), which will be added to the agenda for the AGM or at an appropriate future time.
The body corporate holds general meetings (including an AGM) where all owners can vote on significant decisions, such as budget approvals, major projects, changes to by-laws, and electing the management committee. The value of attending these meetings as an owner cannot be understated. It provides you with exposure to important matters relating to your property, and you have the power to influence decisions made for the body corporate.
Our expertise helps keep the finances of your body corporate well-organised and on track.
We provide support for your strata insurance coverage by helping with the renewal process and assisting with compliance.
We assist in managing your property in adhering to relevant regulations, rules, and by-laws governed by your state. Our aim is to help you follow the legislation requirements.
We refer maintenance issues to the committee for instructions.
Learn how our body corporate management services assist with your property administration and financials and help make the community enjoyable and safe for residents.
Our pivotal role as your body corporate manager may include:
Our body corporate management facilitates the collection of levies (regular fees) from the owners to fund the body corporate’s activities, including maintenance of common areas, regular repairs, body corporate insurance premiums, and other operational costs.
Levies are paid to the body corporate, contributing to the financial upkeep of the property. The role of the body corporate manager is simply to assist in collecting these levies.
Download our free guide to strata financials.
Body corporate managers can also help coordinate the maintenance and repairs of your common property areas like gardens, swimming pools, lifts, driveways and external building elements based on instructions from your committee.
Learn more about our 24/7 maintenance support.
Managing body corporates involves helping to create and enforce rules (by-laws) that assist in governing the property and aims to protect the use of common areas.
As your body corporate manager, we help connect you with a legal specialist who can assist in creating your own by-laws or adapt them to the standard by-laws provided by the state government. We then facilitate a meeting to approve any proposed changes.
Strata insurance, also known as body corporate insurance, is a type of insurance specifically designed for properties with a community titles scheme or similar shared property arrangements.
-We work with several brokers to help source a suitable strata insurance legally required for your property covering shared areas such as gardens, pools, lifts and driveways.
We refer disputes for resolution and conflicts to the Officer of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management. This government association aims for amicable solutions through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
Download your free guide to managing disputes.
This aspect covers the maintenance and inspection of the property to meet safety and building standards, including fire safety and structural integrity.
We can arrange for comprehensive building compliance audits that help reduce liability and assist in meeting your legal obligations.
At PICA Group, we are deeply committed to elevating the standard of body corporate management by offering unmatched expertise and support in each of these critical areas.
We understand the complexities involved in managing a body corporate and are equipped to navigate the intricacies of legal compliance and dispute resolution with finesse. Our team prioritises safety and building compliance, so that every property we manage aims to meet the highest security and structural integrity standards.
Queensland Government legislation governs how body corporate operates in Queensland by setting the legal framework and standards for management, administration, and regulation of community title schemes. This legislation, primarily the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld) and its accompanying regulations, outlines the responsibilities of the body corporate, the rights and obligations of lot owners, procedures for dispute resolution, financial management, maintenance of the common property, and enforcement of by-laws or rules.
The legislation ensures transparency, fairness, and democratic operation within body corporates by stipulating how decisions should be made, how meetings are held, and how financial affairs are managed. It also provides mechanisms for resolving disputes between owners or owners and the body corporate manager, aiming to maintain harmony within communities.
It also sets standards for the physical maintenance and safety compliance of buildings and common areas, protecting the wellbeing of residents and visitors.
At PICA Group, we play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of Queensland’s body corporate legislation, helping communities remain fully compliant and informed of the latest legal requirements set by the QLD State Government.
In Victoria, a body corporate is also called an owners corporation or owners corp. It is regulated by specific legislation designed to protect property owners’ and residents’ rights and interests. The Victorian State strata legislation, the Owners Corporation Act 2006 provides a comprehensive framework for the management, operation, and dispute resolution within strata communities.
Key aspects include:
Our Strata professionals can help with compliance and efficient property management for your body corporate. We keep you updated about the latest legislation rules in Victoria.
In New South Wales, strata-titled properties are governed by the the Strata Scheme Management Regulation 2016, designed to protect the rights of owners and residents. Key points include:
At PICA Group we assist with navigating NSW’s Strata Legislation changes.
We communicate industry legislation updates to our clients, providing clear, concise explanations and actionable guidance. This commitment aims to guide body corporates managed by the PICA Group to operate not only within the legal framework but also to adopt beneficial best practices in governance, financial management, and property maintenance.
Finding the right body corporate manager is key to keeping your property and community thriving. This choice affects how well your finances are managed, your property is maintained, laws are followed. A good strata manager makes sure the property is in great shape, financially sound, and a nice place to live by coordinating property repairs and maintenance swiftly, helping manage the finances, and offering guidance on budget or maintenance planning. They deal with everything from enforcing rules to solving disputes and play a role in making your property more valuable.
It’s important to pick a manager who fits well with what your community wants and needs, someone who can come up with the right approaches for your property’s specific challenges. A good body corporate manager will empower a property’s committee and owners with guides and checklists to help with the general administration and provide tools such as the PICA Group CommunityHub that help to make managing a property seamless.
Since 1948, PICA Group has become Australia’s top property services provider, focusing on improving communities. Our dedication to excellent customer service stands out, along with a wide range of services like strata management, debt recovery, and legal support.
We empower property committees and owners with the tools and support they need for their properties’ success and longevity. Going beyond typical management, PICA Group prioritizes property maintenance, strategic planning, and solid financial practices. Our deep experience and knowledge set us apart, ensuring our clients’ properties are well-managed and successful.
Choosing PICA Group means partnering with a team committed to your community’s wellbeing and your property’s lasting success.
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Body corporate also called strata management in NSW, encompasses a wide range of services designed to ensure the smooth operation of your property’s communal living.
From financial management to dispute resolution, our team offers unparalleled expertise across Australia. Whether you’re in NSW, QLD, VIC, NT or TAS our strata, body corporate or owners corporation management solutions are tailored to meet your specific needs.
Victorian body corporates operate under the owners corporation framework, requiring a specialised approach to management.
Our services in Victoria encompass comprehensive support tailored to the intricacies of owners corporation legislation.
Discover the benefits of partnering with experts deeply familiar with Victoria’s property management needs and legislation and elevate your community living.
A body corporate manager fulfils a crucial function in improving community living by assuming diverse responsibilities that are frequently overlooked. They provide guidance, facilitate communication, and oversee administrative tasks such as coordination and serving as a secretary or chairperson.
Their diligent efforts behind the scenes contribute to the efficient functioning of body corporate properties, ultimately enhancing the experience for both property owners and residents.
Body corporate fees paid by property owners within an owners corporation scheme cover the collective expenses associated with maintaining and managing the property.
These fees typically contribute to various aspects of property management, including maintenance of common areas, insurance premiums, administrative costs, utilities, and reserve funds for future repairs or upgrades.
The body corporate agreement encompasses various schedules detailing terms, fees, and services provided. These schedules include agreement terms and associated charges, fees for agreed services, additional service fees, disbursement charges, agreed services like secretarial, financial, and administrative tasks. Additionally, the agreement covers aspects such as disclosure of associates and commissions, indemnities, termination procedures, and complaints handling.
Body corporate insurance refers to a specialised insurance type designed for properties divided into multiple units, such as apartments, townhouses, or villas. This insurance is tailored to cover common areas and shared elements within the property, like hallways, lobbies, elevators, and communal facilities such as pools or gyms.
It provides coverage for damage to the building’s structure, common property, and shared assets, including incidents like fire, water damage, vandalism, and natural disasters. Essentially, body corporate insurance protects the collective interests of property owners in maintaining and safeguarding shared spaces and assets within the property.
Tenants in a body corporate setting are generally expected to adhere to the community’s rules and by-laws and pay their levies to the body corporate on time. This includes respecting common property and the peaceful enjoyment of other residents, maintaining cleanliness and order within their leased premises, and ensuring that their activities do not damage the property or pose a nuisance to neighbours. Tenants should also seek permission for any alterations or additions to their unit that may affect the building’s appearance or structural integrity.
The body corporate is typically responsible for repairs and maintenance of the common property and the building’s exterior. This includes shared areas such as gardens, driveways, elevators, lobbies, and external walls. Individual owners are usually responsible for repairs within their own units, including fixtures and fittings. However, the specific division of responsibilities can vary depending on the body corporate’s rules and the legal framework in the jurisdiction. It’s important to consult the body corporate’s by-laws or a legal expert for precise information.
Common areas in a body corporate context refer to the parts of a property not owned by individual lot owners but shared and used by all residents. These areas are maintained and managed by the body corporate. Common areas typically include:
These areas benefit all residents and require regular maintenance, which is managed by the body corporate through the levies collected from the owners.
Yes, typically, a body corporate does include building insurance as part of its responsibilities. This insurance covers the common property and the main structure of the building in a community titles scheme. It generally protects against damage from events like fires, floods, and other disasters. However, it’s important for individual owners to also have their own home and contents insurance for their personal belongings, as building insurance does not cover these.
Dive into our vast resources of industry articles on strata and body corporate insights.
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