Question: Our Strata Manager’s contract is about to expire. Both owners in our duplex agree to self manage moving forward. How do we terminate the strata manager?
I am an owner of a duplex property in Canberra. Our Strata Manager’s contract is about to expire. Both owners agree we’d like to self manage moving forward.
Can we email the current Strata Manager advising him that his services will not be required after the date of expiry.
We held a general meeting between the two owners in November 2021 and again today and are in agreement with this decision. Detailed minutes and decisions made at both meetings are documented and signed by all owners.
How many days of notice of termination is required to be given to the current Strata Manager?
Answer: Formalising this decision at your meeting is all that is required.
Yes if both owners agree to self manage they can. Formalising this at your meeting is all that is required.
The notice timeframe depends on the individual contract terms. Some agencies require a set notice period which is written into your contract. However in principle, yes if the contract has expired then you can just provide written notice, or a copy of the GM advising that you are moving to self-management.
The agent will arrange closure of your bank account and all necessary IP of the Owners Corporation to be handed to you following the agreed date.
This post appears in Strata News #544.
Calli Fenwick
Signature Strata
E: calli@signaturestrata.com.au


This is hard as there could be a very good manager and a very bad manager working in the same organisation. But how do you know if the manager assigned to manage your property is good or not? If you do get a dud manager, ask for a change. See if you can sign on for just 6 months. You should be able to do this. If you get a NO, look elsewhere as they should be confident in keeping your business after 6 months. Can I just emphasise that you ensure your gutters are cleaned, your down pipes are also cleaned as well as storm water drains. Not forgetting the windows. Having these important services done each year will minimise/alleviate any costly headaches.
Good luck in your search!
Ps if you have a budget and not a lot of it is used, then what is your manager doing?