Many New Zealand body corporates, especially small townhouse and apartment developments, don't need a professional manager. Here's what self-management involves and how to do it well.
Yes. The Unit Titles Act 2010 does not require a body corporate to appoint a manager. The owners, through the body corporate and its committee and chairperson, can run everything themselves.
Hold an AGM each year, set and collect levies, keep proper accounts, insure the building for full replacement value, keep a long-term maintenance plan, maintain the operational rules, and provide disclosure statements when units are sold.
The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance) Amendment Act 2022 added clearer duties for chairpersons, a code of conduct for body corporate managers, longer long-term maintenance plans and better disclosure. Self-managed bodies corporate must follow the same rules.
Flatflo AI sends levy notices and reminders, prepares AGM notices and minutes, tracks the maintenance plan and insurance, and assembles disclosure statements, so volunteer owners aren't doing it by hand.
No. A manager is optional. Many small body corporates are run entirely by their owners.
The body corporate, acting through its chairperson and committee, is responsible for meeting its obligations under the Unit Titles Act 2010.