The relationship between a resident manager and their body corporate is very much like a marriage – once the honeymoon is over, day-to-day co-existence can lead to tensions.
And as any good marriage counsellor will tell you, the secret to a harmonious relationship comes down to communication and actively managing expectations.
It’s important to be on the lookout for red flags that could signal trouble ahead.
These are the warning signs that a remedial action notice could be on the horizon; once a situation reaches that point it’s a case of shots fired, and injuries will be incurred.
Far better trying to mend a testy relationship than attempting to fix a broken one.
Here are five red flags that could signal trouble ahead for any resident manager.
1. A change in tone in communications
Where previous conversations with the body corporate were friendly and open, a sudden change to a more formal and professional tone is a signal that someone is not happy with the work that you are doing. Particularly where emails are starting to sound like they have been drafted by a lawyer, this could well be laying the groundwork for formal action down the track.
2. Sudden radio silence
Even more telling than a switch to a formal tone is a complete absence of communication. If emails and requests are not being answered and committee members are brushing past you in the corridor, this is another sign that there’s a perception problem with the work you are doing.
3. People avoiding you
You can usually tell when someone is doing their best to avoid being face to face with you. People suddenly seem very busy. If those you once saw for a morning chat or a quick catch-up in the elevator – especially committee members – are suddenly hard to find, it may be time to consider what has changed and whether the relationship is starting to break down.
4. Requests for receipts
Trust is a major part of any successful management rights agreement. If there is an increasing request for receipts for work done around the property where there had not been before, this is a possible sign that someone on the committee has lost faith in how you are conducting your business.
5. Push-back on quotes
If the committee suddenly demands multiple quotes for a task where previously only one or two were required, this is another sign that trust may have been eroded.
Any of these red flags are a sign that things aren’t what they should be and need to be put back on track. Left to fester, unresolved issues can lead to a remedial action notice – a virtual declaration of war and an almost certain total breakdown in the working relationship.
This is where good relations with a body corporate manager or a member on the committee is important.
An honest conversation over a cup of tea or coffee can work wonders.
It all comes back to everyone’s expectations about what the job entails. Regardless of what the agreement says, there can be a misunderstanding on everyone’s part about expectations of the role.
Clear and open communication is vital – and avoid using AI to draft email responses. This is a people business. Be a person, not a robot.
In management rights, you can’t just leave your job. You can’t call in sick. And you can’t just ignore a testy situation. You need to continue doing the job and address the underlying problem.
Ignoring it only makes the problem bigger and can lead to carnage.
For the greater good and ongoing peace, do your best to rectify the relationship.
The honeymoon may be over, but life needs to go on.
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