You’d certainly have rounds for applying for a compulsory manager but, as we have said many times in the pages, be careful what you wish for.
Oddly enough, your plight echoes the scenario I outlined in a recent column about the need for “social profit” strata managers for small strata schemes.
I can totally understand your new strata manager’s reluctance to take on the contract, given the potential cost of managing your scheme compared to the low income from a small number of units.
So I have a radical suggestion: Talk to two of our sponsors – Strata Answers and Stratabox – about what you could do to become at least partially self managed and to help you past the current hump.
As far as the old strata managers refusing to hand over the records goes, tell them that unless they comply immediately, you will take action against them at Fair Trading and NCAT under Section 181 which carries a maximum fine of $2200.