In summary
- Technology is helping owners corporations manage records, meetings, reporting, maintenance and communication more efficiently.
- NSW strata schemeshave digital obligations, including electronic record keeping and annual reporting through Strata Hub.
- Australian Strata Management uses technology with local, responsive service to support better strata decision-making for all the owners corporations we manage.
Technology is changing everyday strata management
Strata management has always relied on organisation, communication and accurate record keeping. Today, technology is making those responsibilities easier to manage, especially for owners corporations that want clear information without unnecessary delays.
For many strata communities, the most useful technology is practical rather than flashy. It might be an online portal where owners can access levy notices, meeting papers and financial documents. Or it might be electronic records that make past decisions easier to find. It might be software that helps track maintenance requests, contractor details, insurance information and compliance tasks.
This matters for schemes of every size. A small block of four or five lots may have fewer residents than a larger building, although it still needs accurate records, clear budgets, compliant meetings and timely maintenance. Technology can help large and smaller schemes stay organised without placing unnecessary administrative pressure on volunteer committee members.
Digital records are now part of compliance
In New South Wales, digital systems are closely connected to strata compliance, with strata schemes required since June 2024 to maintain records electronically.
This shift reflects how modern strata communities operate. Owners expect important documents to be accessible, secure and easy to locate. Committees need quick access to historical decisions, contracts, quotations and financial records while strata managers rely on consistent systems to manage deadlines and support compliance.
Electronic records also support continuity when committee membership changes. In schemes of any size, knowledge can sometimes sit with one or two long-serving owners, creating a risk that important information is lost when those individuals leave. Maintaining clear digital records therefore reduces reliance on individual memory and helps new committee members understand the strata scheme’s history.
Strata Hub and annual reporting
Technology also plays a central role in annual reporting. The NSW Government requires all strata schemes in the state, from two-lot and strata schemes and above, to be registered and update their details annually through Strata Hub. This must be completed within three months of each scheme’s annual general meeting.
Strata Hub provides improved visibility of scheme information for government, owners and other strata stakeholders. For owners corporations, it also reinforces the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records throughout the year. When meeting documents, financial statements, insurance details and committee information are well organised, completing the annual activities becomes significantly more efficient.
Better communication for busy owners
One of the most visible benefits of technology is better communication. Owners can receive notices electronically, review documents before meetings, submit questions and access information without waiting for paper copies or offices to open to access this information.
This is especially useful in communities where owners live away from the property, rent out their lot or have limited time to attend meetings in person. Digital communication can help more owners stay informed and involved.
Technology can also improve the quality of committee discussions. When owners receive papers early and can review financial statements, quotations or maintenance updates in one place, meetings become more focused. Decisions can be based on shared information rather than scattered emails or incomplete records.
Meetings, voting and participation
Technology has also changed the way strata meetings are managed.
Electronic meeting tools support participation by providing owners with more flexible ways to engage. Allowing remote attendance and electronic voting can make a practical difference to achieving aquorum too, enabling decisions to better reflect a more balanced view of owners. .
However, technology should be supported by clear processes and human service for effective communication. It is important that all lot owners understand what is being voted on, how decisions will be recorded and where meeting documents can be accessed after the meeting.
Maintenance and contractor management
Maintenance is another area where technology can improve strata outcomes. Digital systems can help record repair requests, track contractor attendance, store quotes and note approvals. This creates a clearer history of what was reported, what action was taken and what still needs attention.
For committees, this visibility supports better budgeting and prioritisation. For owners, it creates greater confidence that issues are being managed properly. For strata managers, it helps with coordination of trades, following up outstanding tasks and maintaining records if questions arise later.
Transparency and trust
Modern strata communities place greater expectations on transparency. Owners want clear visibility over decisions, financial management and the operation of their scheme.
Technology can make key information easier to record, retrieve and share, including contracts, insurance details, invoices, minutes, budgets and maintenance history.
For owners corporations, transparency builds trust. Owners are better able to consider what obligations the scheme needs to meet and understand how decisions are made and how funds are spent.
Balancing technology with local service
Technology works best when it supports human interactions. Strata management still depends on judgment, responsiveness, local knowledge and clear communication. While an online owners portal can store records, owners still need practical advice. A digital maintenance system can track a repair, but a good strata manager still needs to coordinate the right contractor and follow through.
Australian Strata Management combines modern systems with local strata specialists who understand their communities. This balance is vital for all strata schemes, where owners often want responsive service and practical explanations rather than complex processes.
The best technology in strata management is the technology that makes life easier for owners corporations. It should simplify administration, improve access to information, support compliance and help committees make better decisions.
FAQs
How does technology help strata schemes?
Technology helps schemes regardless of size, keep records, track maintenance, manage meetings and meet reporting obligations with less administrative pressure on volunteer committee members.
Do NSW strata schemes need to keep records electronically?
Yes. From 11 June 2024, strata schemes record keeping requirements include records that must be kept electronically.
What is Strata Hub?
Strata Hub is the NSW Government platform used for strata annual reporting and other strata-related services. NSW Government guidance on using Strata Hub explains how schemes and strata managers can access it.
Do all NSW strata schemes need to complete annual reporting?
Yes. NSW Government guidance says all strata schemes, including small two-lot schemes, must report each year within three months of their AGM through strata annual reporting.
Can technology replace a strata manager?
Technology can support records, communication, reporting and maintenance tracking. A strata manager provides the human point of contact and context: providing guidance, coordination, compliance support and practical problem-solving for the owners corporation.
Glossary of terms
Owners corporation
The legal body made up of all lot owners in a strata scheme. It manages common property and the scheme’s shared obligations.
Strata committee
A group elected by lot owners to help make decisions and oversee day-to-day matters on behalf of the owners corporation.
Strata Hub
The NSW Government digital platform used for strata reporting and related strata services.
Electronic records
Digital versions of required strata documents, such as minutes, notices, financial statements, correspondence and other scheme records.
Online owner portal
A secure digital platform where lot owners of an owners corporation may access documents, levy information, meeting notices, financial statements or maintenance updates.
Electronic voting
A voting process that allows eligible lot owners within a strata scheme to vote through approved electronic methods, where the scheme has the required arrangements in place.