How Do Strata Consultants Resolve Disputes At Strata Meetings

14 Sep 2022 by J. Wilton

Now, a lot of people are living in the strata schemes. With a large count of people owning and residing in the strata, disputes are sure to rise in the strata schemes. The diverse backgrounds of the residents, along with the cultural differences, the owner occupiers and investors’ differing interests, and different knowledge levels create a topic for conflict at any time.

Strata consultants are the professionals with more knowledge to settle down the meeting procedures and strata compliance. So, they are relied on for solving such strata disputes. They approach the strata disputes with much caution since in several cases, the effect is nearly the same on the mediator or facilitator, other than the decision maker.

The professional strata consultants consider certain rules at any meeting –

Reviewing the agenda for anticipating disputes and contentious motions.
In case, a problem is possible to come up in the meeting, then they take advice from the managers before the meeting so they can stop the issues from taking large shape. They ensure to carry on with the subsequent legal proceedings.
In the likelihood of threats, violence or intimidation, they take help from the security guards and secure premises as an apt safety measure. In case, violence takes place at the meeting, they vote for adjourning the meeting.

At the time of attending meetings, the Strata Consultants keep themselves reminded of the following –

Structuring the meeting at the very outset for smooth progress and on time.
Treating people with respect by being aware of their cultural issues so that no one loses face.
Being impartial by administering the strata meeting is completely a democratic process, and taking steps accordingly.
Keeping emotion out of the dispute. Being strict and professional to discourage yelling, finger-pointing, calling names, intimidation or bullying. They adjourn the meeting if these take place.
Allowing an opportunity for each party for speaking and limiting interruptions. The strata consultants never interrupt the speaker, safe to bring the discussion is back on track.
Redirecting inquiries through the Chairperson.
Setting boundaries when the people take turns to speak on the issues. The dispute will most probably be a lengthy one. So, they ask the owners to inform them about the number of people willing to speak at the meeting. If needed, they limit the allocated time length, like 5 minutes for each person. Next, they are strict to ensure the owners are adhering to their allotted time.
Suggesting options for resolving disputes. If the parties do not agree to an agreement, then they suggest other available options.
Once a resolution is achieved, they make the owners agree on the next steps. They make suggestions if the owners are not sure of the next steps.
Once the dispute is solved with a friendly solution, the strata consultants advise the owners’ corporation on implementing the solution.

Belonging to the legal bodies, the strata consultants allow both parties to be heard. Once they are done, the strata consultants provide suitable legal advice. Right when the time comes, then the owners’ corporation is directed for proceeding with a vote, only when a motion is placed on the agenda.