This is a perfect example of why the legalised corruption of caretaker management agreements in Queensland is just wrong.
But that’s no comfort to you. However if you have proof that even half of what you alleges – and I mean evidence that would stand up in court like emails or statutory declarations rather than rumour and gossip – you have a chance to do something about it.
If so, the first thing I would do is to write to all your fellow owners and tell them how much they are losing in the value of their properties and how much more they could be getting in rent by having their building properly managed. If you can do this without personally defaming the caretaker, the more effective it will be.
For instance, you could say that despite this amount being paid for maintenance only that amount’s worth is actually being done, according to industry professionals.
And despite similar properties in your area being sold and rented for those figures, units in your building are only attracting these amounts.
This will make the majority of investors think and ask questions – because finance is the basis for their relationship with the building.
That is very different from writing an email that says MR X is a liar and a fraud who is ripping you off – then you are asking people to take sides and most will go with the status quo, rather than rock the boat.
If people can see they are being cheated, they can then make their own decision about why this is happening.
Consider going to the media. You (and your supporters) will have to agree to be named, quoted, photographed and interviewed, but that might actually be a protection from further abuse rather than a trigger for more.
Finally, and most importantly, contact the Unit Owners Association of Queensland (UOAQ) who will know about dozens of situations like this and be able to advise you on the best way forward.