01

The corporation still exists

Self-management does not mean there is no corporation. In South Australia, a strata corporation or community corporation is created when the relevant plan is registered. Every unit or lot owner automatically becomes a member. The corporation remains the legal body responsible for the scheme's shared affairs.

The owners may do the work themselves, form a management committee, engage specialist advisers, or appoint a manager to perform delegated functions. Those choices affect who performs the work, but they do not make the corporation's statutory responsibilities disappear.

02

What self-management usually involves

A self-managed corporation must organise meetings and resolutions; maintain the roll, minutes, correspondence and contracts; collect contributions; pay invoices; keep accounts; arrange required insurance; maintain common property; administer registered articles or by-laws; and follow up decisions.

The practical challenge is continuity. Volunteer office holders change, but bank access, passwords, policies, warranties, plans and unresolved matters must remain available to the next committee. A shared record is safer than relying on one person's inbox or memory.

03

Where self-management works well

Self-management can suit a smaller or cooperative scheme with engaged owners, limited facilities and people willing to perform the work. It is strongest when responsibilities are written down, finances are transparent, meetings are regular and external expertise is used for legal, accounting, insurance, engineering or complex maintenance questions.

Warning signs include missed insurance renewals, decisions made only in informal chats, invoices paid without evidence, unclear common-property responsibility, unresolved levy arrears, or records held by one volunteer. A scheme can also choose a hybrid model: keep committee control while buying selected administrative or professional support.

04

A practical self-management checklist

  1. 01

    Confirm the current title, plan, registered articles or by-laws, office holders and delegations.

  2. 02

    Maintain a forward calendar for the AGM, insurance, contracts, inspections and compliance items.

  3. 03

    Use a corporation bank account with appropriate controls.

  4. 04

    Record each decision, owner, due date and supporting document.

  5. 05

    Review whether specialist advice is needed before acting on high-value, disputed or safety-related matters.

Sources

Official sources and further reading