Changing property manager (or doing without one): the process

Whether it is about price, neglect, or because the community wants to run itself, changing manager is simpler than the manager themselves tends to suggest.

The resolution

Simple majority at a meeting: dismissing the current manager and appointing the new one (or the owner who will take on the duties). Unless otherwise agreed, the appointment runs for a year and is revocable at any time — "minimum terms" run against the nature of the role.

Notice and manners

Check the contract in case it sets a notice period (30 days is common). Written notification with the resolution attached. Correct and undramatic: you will need them cooperative at handover.

The handover of documentation (the critical part)

The outgoing manager must hand over ALL the community's documentation: the minute book, contracts, policies, accounts and supporting documents, balances, the list of debtors, keys and codes. Ask for a signed inventory of the handover. The documentation belongs to the community — withholding it over disputed invoices is unlawful (and reportable to their professional body).

The first 30 days without them

1. Bank signatories updated.
2. Notice of the change to suppliers and the insurer (new contact for the community).
3. The basic information loaded into your own system: units, shares, dues, contracts, renewal dates.

The reflection

The fear of "being left without a manager" is usually a fear of scattered information. With the community's data organised and accessible, an external manager becomes an option — not a dependency.