u/UpstairsAd395

NSW strata scheme, 6 lots. Our manager arranges all maintenance and just sends us the invoice after the fact. We've asked multiple times to see quotes before work is approved and they basically ignore us or say "it was urgent."

The new disclosure reforms from Feb 2025 are supposed to mean more transparency but nothing's changed.Does the committee actually have the right to require the manager to get multiple quotes and show them to us before approving work? Can we pass a resolution at the AGM to enforce this? Has anyone actually done it?

Not looking to fire the manager (yet...) just want to understand our options.

Lived in houses my whole life, bought a unit last year. The amount of admin, politics, and money that goes into managing a small building is insane.

Our levies went up 15% this year. Nobody on the committee can explain why. The manager sends a one-page financial summary once a year that tells you nothing. When I asked for a breakdown of what contractors were paid, I was told to "submit a records request."

Is this normal??? How do other buildings handle this? I feel like there has to be a better way but everyone just seems to accept it.

My partner and I are looking at buying into a another small block (6 lots, self-managed) and I've been reading horror stories about what's involved. AGM notices, Strata Hub reporting, levy collection, insurance renewals, the new 2025 reform compliance stuff.

For anyone who's a secretary or chair of a self-managed scheme:

• How many hours a week does it actually take?
• What's the worst part?
• Have you ever looked at getting a manager and decided it wasn't worth the cost?
• Is there any software that actually helps or is it all spreadsheets and email?

Genuinely trying to understand what we'd be getting into. Cheers.