Hi… occasional reader, first time poster.
As a Liquidator and Bankruptcy Trustee, I felt I just had to respond to this issue…. I will start with this part of the OP:
“SM has told owners it is too hard to case and would cost too much in legal fees to do so.” – Bollocks!
Your Strata Manager is incompetent if he/she thinks $20K in back levies is not worth chasing, whether you are in a block of 4 or 400.
I would recommend you do the following ASAP:
1. Sack the Strata Manager. Now.
2. Issue a statutory demand from the Owners Corp to the owner.
3. Take steps to wind up (if owner is company), or bankrupt (if owner is individual). Costs will be about $4K.
Now, one of two things will happen:
1. The owner craps themselves and pays up. You should make sure they cover all legals as well, otherwise…
2. Continue with bankruptcy/liquidation. The trustee/liquidator will then sell the apartment. Now, here is the kicker: strata levies receive a special priority on settlement, so the OC is guaranteed payment.
You have nothing to lose by taking the above steps. Plus it sends a strong message to others that this sort of nonsense will not be tolerated.
I’m not specifically coming on here to spruik etc, but if you or anyone would like further advice, please feel free to PM me. Thanks and Good luck!