This article discusses how a strata committee in the ACT can manage repeated complaints and opposition from a single owner.
Question: How should a committee handle repeated opposition and lengthy complaint emails from one owner?
Our small strata complex is generally harmonious, but one owner opposes almost every decision made by the executive committee, even when it benefits their own lot. Sometimes they suggest an idea, but when it’s brought to a vote, they change their position and oppose it. Their objections are often based on misunderstandings, and when others disagree, they accuse them of bullying. They also send long, detailed emails after meetings demanding compensation for actions they don’t support. Responding takes a lot of time, especially since they rarely attend meetings or review past materials. What should be the committee’s level of response? Is it acceptable to reply briefly and generally, rather than addressing every claim in detail?
Answer: The chair can prevent an owner from speak at a committee or general meeting.
I’m not sure if this owner is an executive committee (EC) member. If the owner is not a member of the EC, the majority of the committee can make decisions, provided they record the decisions in a committee meeting resolution. The chair can prevent an owner from speaking at a committee or general meeting.
The Units Plan can also make alternative rule/s to address a meeting protocol and also that of owners in and out of meetings.
At the end of the day, resolutions are made by way of a majority vote. It’s best to respond to this owner briefly and in point form, even using: “No further correspondence will be entered into”.
Jan Browne
Bridge Strata
E: jan@bridgestrata.com.au
P: 02 6109 7700
This post appears in Strata News #768.
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Read next:
- ACT: Q&A Owners Corporation Executive Committee
- ACT: Q&A Privacy Act: Can a Strata Manager Refuse to Provide Lot Owner Details to the Executive Committee?
- ACT: Q&A Cost of Holding a Special General Meeting
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