7 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Strata Manager

Managing a strata building is no small task, and having the right strata manager makes all the difference. But what happens when the service you’re getting doesn’t match the service you were promised?

Here are seven clear signs it might be time for a change and what you can do about it.

1. They’re slow to respond — or don’t respond at all

You’ve chased an email. Left a voicemail. Waited. And waited some more.

A responsive strata manager should get back to you within a reasonable timeframe (we aim to return calls within 4 hours and emails within 8 business hours at Jamesons). If communication is consistently delayed or ignored, it’s more than frustrating — it can delay essential decisions for your building.

2. You’re always the one following things up

Chasing maintenance requests, asking if invoices were paid, wondering what happened to last month’s agenda. If you’re doing more managing than your strata manager, something’s not right.

3. Repairs are always reactive, not proactive

Good strata managers stay one step ahead, with planned maintenance, regular site visits, and long-term thinking. If your building is constantly putting out fires, it may be because no one’s thinking ahead.

4. Your financials are unclear or incorrect

Are you getting regular, easy-to-read financial reports? Are levies managed properly? Are budgets aligned with long-term goals? If financial information is inconsistent or confusing, that’s a red flag.

5. There’s little to no transparency

A modern strata manager should offer online access to documents, status updates, and building history. If you’re constantly in the dark, that’s not service — that’s neglect.

6. They don’t seem to know the legislation

Strata laws in NSW change regularly. Your strata manager should be across the latest compliance requirements, and confident in guiding your committee. If they’re vague or unsure, it could put your building at risk.

7. You don’t trust them to act in your building’s best interest

At the end of the day, trust matters. If your committee doesn’t feel supported, or worse, feels misled, it’s a clear sign it’s time to move on.

What your new strata manager should be doing differently

Here’s what a professional, reliable strata manager brings to the table:

• Proactive communication and clear response times
• Dedicated maintenance support with trusted trades
• Online portals for 24/7 visibility
• Tailored financial reporting and strategic planning
• Regular site visits and genuine care

At Jamesons, we’ve spent over 60 years helping strata communities feel happier at home — by delivering reliable service, improving buildings, and giving committees the support they deserve. That is why they choose us when changing strata managers.

What to do if these signs sound familiar

You don’t need to put up with poor strata service. If you’re seeing some (or all) of these signs, it might be time to start exploring your options.

To understand the process and how a transition works, read our guide to changing your strata manager, or jump straight into our article on how to change your strata manager without the stress (coming soon).

We work with all building types across NSW

Whether you’re managing a residential block, a commercial building or a mixed-use development, we offer strata services tailored to your property:

• Residential Strata Management
• Large Residential Strata
• Commercial Strata Management
• Mixed-Use Strata Management
• Industrial Strata Management
• Company Title Management
• Retirement Village Strata Management
• Community Title Management

Want to make a switch?

We’ll manage the switch from start to finish, including a smooth handover — making it easier for your building to move forward. Explore changing strata managers or get in touch with our team.