Strata management vs rental property management: What to know

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Laws change frequently and vary by province. Readers should consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to their individual circumstances.
 

What is strata management?

Strata management is the practice of managing the common property and shared responsibilities of a multi-unit residential building or complex, typically on behalf of the strata corporation (the collective of all unit owners). In British Columbia, this role is defined and governed by the Strata Property Act.
 

Strata manager responsibilities

A strata manager works closely with a strata council to support the day-to-day operations of a strata corporation. They are typically responsible for coordinating building maintenance, collecting strata fees, enforcing strata bylaws, supporting council meetings, preparing budgets, and managing financial records. They also help maintain compliance with bylaws and the Strata Property Act by assisting the council with issuing notices and fines when needed.

Strata managers also play an essential role in supporting council business. Beyond helping to schedule and attend strata council meetings, they provide guidance on procedural matters, assist with preparing meeting materials like minutes and notices, and help manage the logistics of Special and Annual General Meetings. Their involvement allows the council to stay focused on decision-making, while the strata manager handles much of the background work that keeps the process running smoothly.

Communication is another critical responsibility. Strata managers respond to owner inquiries, circulate notices and updates, and often provide access to community software platforms that help keep everyone informed.

At FirstService Residential, that platform is FirstService Residential Connect™, an exclusive platform designed specifically for strata communities. Available by desktop or mobile, Connect™ allows residents to pay fees, submit maintenance requests, and access important documents anytime. Strata councils and managers can also send alerts, track inspections, post updates, and manage tasks more efficiently — all in one place.
 

What is rental property management?

Rental property management is the practice of overseeing residential rental properties on behalf of their owners. In British Columbia, this can include a range of property types, from individual condo units and small portfolios to purpose-built rental buildings owned and operated entirely as rental housing.

Depending on the property, a rental property manager may work with a single landlord or a larger ownership group to coordinate leasing, maintenance, rent collection, vendor services, and tenant communications. Unlike strata-titled properties, purpose-built rental buildings don’t involve a strata council. Instead, the property manager works directly with the owner to support day-to-day operations across the entire site.
 

Rental property manager responsibilities

In British Columbia, a rental property manager works on behalf of a rental property owner to oversee the operations of an individual unit or building. Their responsibilities begin with securing and screening tenants. This may include advertising the rental, checking references, reviewing credit reports, and managing the leasing process from start to finish.

Once a tenant is in place, the rental property manager handles all aspects of lease administration. That includes drafting the lease agreement, managing renewals, and issuing legal notices when necessary. Rent collection is a core duty as well, and the rental property manager follows up on any late payments while managing deposits according to local regulations.

They may also coordinate repairs and maintenance specific to the private unit or building, working directly with vendors and tradespeople to resolve issues efficiently. Just as importantly, they can serve as the main point of contact for tenants, helping to resolve disputes and maintaining an open line of communication on behalf of the owner.
 

Key differences between strata managers and rental property managers

Strata managers and rental property managers have different roles, responsibilities, and lines of accountability. Here are the key distinctions:

• Scope of work: A strata manager supports the operations of the entire strata community. A rental property manager is typically focused on managing one specific property.
   
• Client: Strata managers serve the strata council and, by extension, all owners. Rental property managers serve individual landlords.
   
• Legal authority: Strata managers operate under the Strata Property Act and are guided by the decisions of a strata council. Rental property managers follow the Residential Tenancy Act and work within lease agreements.
   
• Accountability: A strata manager is accountable to the strata corporation. A rental property manager is accountable to the property owner.
   
• Responsibilities: Strata managers typically manage budgets, coordinate common area maintenance, and help the council make governance decisions. Rental property managers typically manage rental listings, collect rent, and handle lease enforcement.

Similarities between strata managers and rental property managers

While their roles are distinct, both strata managers and rental property managers share some key skills and responsibilities that help communities and properties run smoothly:

• Vendor coordination: Both roles involve selecting and managing vendors for repairs or services.
   
• Communication skills: Clear, timely communication with residents, trades, and clients is critical in both roles.
   
• Regulatory knowledge: Both professionals need to be familiar with relevant provincial laws.
   
• Administrative tasks: Documentation, record-keeping, and scheduling are common to both types of managers.
   

How to become a strata manager in BC

To become a licensed strata manager in British Columbia, you’ll need to complete the required education and register with the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).

The process starts with enrolling in the Strata Management Licensing course offered by the UBC Sauder School of Business, the only school currently approved to offer this course in the province. The course covers the fundamentals of strata governance, including financial management, the Strata Property Act, and the day-to-day responsibilities of working with a strata corporation.