Sometimes, the management of horizontal property is assumed by people who, in reality, are not the most suitable to carry out this role. It is common to see that among the co-owners a volunteer arises to act as administrator.
However, in most cases, they are people who have little or no management knowledge, do not have in-depth knowledge of the legal regulations governing the matter, and are not familiar with tools that help improve results.
As a result, you end up with chaotic neighborhood communities where nothing works right. The co-owners remain discontented and, meanwhile, the figure of the administrator is increasingly deteriorated.
In this post we want to explain what horizontal property management implies and how the digital tools available for this sector influence it. In the same way, we will share several strategies to make management more effective and comprehensive.
What is horizontal property management?
Horizontal property management consists of the planning, organization, direction, execution and control of the various activities related to the existence and use of real estate. Generally, this belongs to several co-owners.
To carry it out, the application of certain knowledge is required, as well as having various skills. Likewise, it implies the direction of logistical and human resources, necessary for the satisfaction of the needs of the community of co-owners.
Among the functions that the administrator of one or several horizontal properties must assume are:
- Know, comply with and enforce current legal regulations. Likewise, know and respect the guidelines established by the regulatory bodies of horizontal property.
- Efficient use and distribution of horizontal property resources (economic, human and physical).
- Make expense and income budgets.
- Use tools for prevention and risk assessment.
- Plan, buy goods and hire the necessary services for the management of horizontal property.
- Manage collection by applying effective collection techniques.
- Prepare assemblies meetings and prepare management reports.
Traditional management vs. digital management
The management of horizontal property assets has traditionally been handled empirically.
Likewise, what is common is that those in charge of managing horizontal properties carry out their administrative processes with little digitization. All this, apart from the speed and high-quality standards demanded by current times.
Therefore, the administrators fail to obtain good results in their management. They arrive exhausted at the end of their period (1 year, according to Law 675 of 2001) and without any significant achievement that can be attributed to them and that has given satisfaction to the community.
In this sense, digital tools are a great ally of the administrative management of horizontal property.
Currently, there is specialized software in this area that greatly facilitates and speeds up the work of administrators and makes it much more effective.
The characteristics of these management instruments include:
great accessibility
The administrator can perform his functions anywhere he wants. These systems are hosted in the cloud and can be accessed from any device with internet access.
They are in accordance with current regulations
These systems are suitable for their operation to apply compliance with the legal regulations governing the matter. Likewise, many are regularly updated in the event of any change in the regulations.
Facilitate communication with co-owners
Its functions include, for example, the issuance of circulars and mass emails. This allows to maintain a constant and fast communication with the co-owners in matters that are related to the horizontal property.
They are reliable and safe
The information and the database are completely protected. This is because user profiles are contemplated with different levels of authorization and with identity authentication methods. They are also protected against cyber-attacks.
Strategies to make your management more effective and comprehensive
Here are some strategies that can help raise the level of your management:
- Applies strategic planning: based on a diagnosis, establishes the route to follow to achieve the strategic objectives that the property and the community need to achieve.
- Lean on technology: use a horizontal property management system to streamline processes. Likewise, create a digital channel that allows interaction with the community, such as a website, an app or social networks.
- Constantly trains the staff: mainly, in legal and management issues, as well as the handling of complaints and quality of service.
- Use adequate signage in common areas: not only in prevention issues, but as a pedagogical tool aimed at promoting appropriate coexistence behaviors.
- Promotes public relations: to establish rapprochements with authorities and institutions that can favor management and generate benefits for the community.
Attention all Melbourne strata communities! We understand the unique challenges of managing strata properties, and our team at Your Strata Property Management Company in Melbourne is here to help. From maintenance coordination to financial management, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more!