I've been made chair: the first 5 steps

Congratulations (so to speak). It is your turn. Breathe: chairing a small, well-organised community takes a couple of hours a month. The key is in the word "organised".

1. Gather the key papers

Ask the outgoing chair for: the minute appointing you, the tax number, access to the bank account, the insurance policy, the live contracts (cleaning, lift) and the recent minutes. If something is missing, put it on the record.

2. Change the signature at the bank

With the minute of your appointment, update the authorised signatories on the account. It is a one-visit errand — and until you do it, you do not control the money.

3. Take a snapshot of where things stand

Balance in the account, dues still to be collected, debtors if there are any, and known faults. Not to judge your predecessor: to know where you are starting from.

4. Introduce yourself and set up communication

A short message to everyone: who you are, how to reach you, and how things will be communicated from now on. A clear channel from day one prevents "nobody told me".

5. Note down the year's dates

The annual meeting, the lift inspection, the insurance renewal, the building survey if it is due. The role becomes light when nothing catches you by surprise.

And a secret: the chairs who burn out are not the ones in communities with problems — they are the ones in communities with no system.