By Nikki D’Agostino — Managing Director & Principal, Rezzi Strata
If you’ve ever lived in, or helped someone buy into, an apartment in East Perth, a townhouse in Joondalup, or one of Perth’s new mixed-use communities, you’ve probably come across strata. And with it, the question I get almost every week:
What does a strata manager actually do?
Most people assume it’s just levies and emails and occasional repair. And yes, those things matter. But good strata management runs far deeper — it shapes how confidently owners can live in their homes, how calmly councils can make decisions, and how stable the asset remains over time. So here it is, directly from me: what I really do each day, and why it matters for anyone buying, owning, or advising clients in WA.
I keep the building compliant — so owners don’t end up with nasty surprises
WA strata legislation isn’t simple, and most owners understandably don’t want to spend their weekends interpreting Acts and Regulations. My role is to translate all of that into practical steps that keep the building safe and compliant. I handle everything from renewing insurance to managing claims, maintaining accurate records, coordinating fire and electrical safety schedules, and making sure by-laws are understood and used well. Compliance isn’t glamorous, but it’s what protects owners from fines, preventable delays, and expensive reactive maintenance. My goal is always the same: no surprises.
I manage the money — clearly, transparently, and with long-term thinking
Every strata scheme operates like a small business, and I treat it with the same level of discipline. I prepare budgets grounded in real Perth costs, manage levy collection respectfully, oversee trust accounts, and deliver financial reports that owners can actually understand. Beyond the day-to-day cash flow, I also focus heavily on long-term maintenance planning — because a well-funded building ages gracefully, while an underfunded one eventually becomes a burden. For first home buyers and upgraders, who are often still adjusting to the idea of strata levies, transparent financial management can immediately reduce stress and build trust.
I coordinate repairs and maintenance — from urgent fixes to long-term planning
Perth’s climate throws everything at buildings, from the Fremantle Doctor to winter storms to intense summer sun. Issues are inevitable, and when they happen, I’m the one coordinating the response. I source good local contractors, compare quotes, prioritise urgent work, and keep everyone informed as repairs progress. But the work isn’t only reactive — I’m always looking ahead at what the building will need in the next few years, not just the next few weeks. That forward planning protects the asset, reduces costs over time, and prevents small issues from becoming costly headaches.
I support the Council of Owners — so decisions get made properly
Most Councils of Owners are made up of volunteers juggling families, careers, and everyday life. My job is to make their roles clear and achievable. I prepare agendas and minutes, guide them through WA legislation, provide context around decisions, and help them plan for the long-term health of the complex. A well-supported council leads to smoother governance, clearer communication, and far less stress for everyone involved. When people feel informed, they make better decisions — and better decisions lead to better buildings.
I help keep the peace — because people are at the heart of strata
Strata is not just about buildings; it’s about people living alongside each other. Inevitably, there will be moments when neighbours need support in navigating shared spaces and differing expectations. I spend a lot of time helping resolve noise concerns, parking frustrations, renovation questions, and pet approvals. My approach is always respectful and fair — the aim is not to enforce for the sake of enforcing, but to keep communities functioning calmly and respectfully. People genuinely want to get along; sometimes they just need a bit of guidance.
I view strata as long-term asset management — not admin
My background in commercial asset management, major Perth developments and redevelopments shaped the way I see strata. Good management doesn’t start when owners move in; it starts much earlier. I think about lifecycle costs, maintenance sequencing, risk planning, and by-laws that actually support livability. When we view strata through a long-term lens, it stops feeling like a cost and starts behaving like a safeguard — one that protects both your property’s value and your peace of mind. Owners often tell me that once they understand this shift, everything about strata begins to make more sense.
Why this matters — especially here in WA
Perth is densifying, and with that comes more strata living than ever before. Shared walls, shared assets, and shared responsibilities mean the quality of your strata manager directly influences how you live, how much stress you deal with, and how well your property performs financially. My work — and genuinely, my passion — is helping people feel confident, supported, and informed as they navigate that world.
REIWA Strata Accredited Professionals. Transparent reporting, local expertise.
