FG, not moved from a Strata Manager to self management but I am a big advocate for self management. Our OC does it (5 owners). With things like the system in Jimmy’s email it is not hard. Let’s face it most small stratas don’t comply to the letter of the law but with goodwill and common sense most manage to muddle through.
It has a lot of benefits. But first you have to decide, do the OC have the skills and the willingness to do it themselves? A lot depends upon the personalities in the OC. As a minimum you need the following functions accounted for:
-a chair to oversee meetings and other formalities;
-a treasurer who can draw up accounts and keep account of fees paid;
-a secretary to draw up agenda and minutes; and
-maybe an onsite manager who agrees to oversee maintenance etc (we try to spread the burden around for this).
The above tasks aren’t that onerous and one person can do multiple tasks. With electronic communications and banking etc it really saves on money. It is gratifying to see the money that would otherwise be spent on admin going to actual maintenance and improvements.
The major downfall to me is that occasionally those who undertake tasks and functions get pissed at those who don’t! It is particularly galling when those who don’t participate have something they want done and they act like it is the most important thing in world.