We have a serious problem with our caretakers.

It is not just a matter which concerns our own strata scheme since the implications are cause for concern by strata schemes everywhere and warrants official intervention.   

Our ludicrously expensive Caretaker Agreement – which includes exclusive rights to operate an estate agency – foisted on us by the developer has, after the exercise of the usual free options, an existing 25 year term expiring in 2025.  The current caretakers, acting as unit holders,  have demanded that a motion be put directly to a general meeting extending the contract period to 2030 making it a 30 year contract.  They do not propose paying any consideration in return and give as the reason for their proposal that they are “seeking long term security of tenure, as is their financier”.  Outrageous and implausible as the proposal and the reasons given for it are, it is clear that the caretakers are confident they can rely on the usual owner apathy as well as solicited proxies to get the motion passed.

Given that as always owner-apathy does exist, what legal measures open to us do you suggest we take to stop these avaricious contractors in their flagrant attempt to gain a significant financial benefit (which would be reflected in the immediate enhancement of the sale value of an Agreement which has already changed hands several times) at no cost to themselves to the extreme detriment of present and future unit holders?

 No Fool