Registered Owners Corporation Management Across Melbourne

What is an owners corporation?

An owners corporation (previously called a body corporate) is created when land is subdivided and common property — such as driveways, gardens, lobbies, or shared facilities — is shared between multiple lot owners. It is governed by the Owners Corporation Act 2006 in Victoria and exists to manage and maintain that common property on behalf of all owners.

Do I need a registered owners corporation manager?

You are not legally required to engage a professional manager — self-management is permitted. However, a registered OC manager brings legislative expertise, financial accountability, and professional systems that reduce risk and workload for committee members. For Tier 1 and Tier 2 owners corporations (those with higher lot counts or greater financial activity), professional management is strongly recommended to meet the higher compliance obligations under Victorian law.

What does an owners corporation manager actually do?

A professional OC manager handles the day-to-day administration of your property on behalf of the owners corporation. This includes collecting and managing levies, coordinating maintenance and repairs to common property, organising annual general meetings (AGMs), maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with Victorian legislation, and acting as a point of contact for owners, tenants, and contractors.

What are owners corporation levies and how are they set?

Owners corporation levies are contributions collected from lot owners to fund the ongoing operation and maintenance of common property. They are set at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) based on an approved budget. Levies are typically split between a general administrative fund (for routine costs) and a maintenance fund (for longer-term capital works). Each lot’s contribution is proportional to its lot liability as defined in the plan of subdivision.

How do I switch from my current OC manager to OC Support?

Switching is straightforward and we manage the transition on your behalf. Once your owners corporation resolves to appoint OC Support at a committee or general meeting, we handle the outgoing notice, record transfer requests, and set up your accounts and owner portal. We aim to make the transition seamless with no disruption to services. Visit our manager transition page for a full explanation of the process, or contact us to discuss your circumstances directly.

Does OC Support manage newly completed strata developments?

Yes — OC Support provides specialist new development handover services for newly completed residential and mixed-use developments across Melbourne and Victoria. This includes pre-settlement insurance placement, strata roll establishment, first AGM management, owner onboarding, and dedicated defect period management. Developers should contact us ideally three to six months before first settlement. See our new development handover page for full details.

What is the difference between owners corporation management and strata management?

They refer to the same service. ‘Owners corporation management’ is the correct Victorian term, introduced by the Owners Corporation Act 2006. ‘Strata management’ and ‘body corporate management’ are terms commonly used in other Australian states (such as NSW and Queensland). At OC Support, we use all three terms interchangeably — if you’ve searched for strata management in Melbourne, you’ve found the right place.

What areas of Melbourne and Victoria does OC Support service?

We service owners corporations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, including the CBD and inner suburbs, eastern suburbs, south eastern suburbs, bayside, western suburbs, northern suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo. See our services page for a full suburb list, or contact us if your area is not listed.

How are disputes between owners handled?

Disputes in Victorian owners corporations follow a three-step resolution process under the Owners Corporation Act 2006. Step 1 is the internal complaint process — OC Support investigates the complaint, facilitates communication, and issues breach notices where required. Step 2 is referral to the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) for free government-facilitated mediation. Step 3 is applying to VCAT if mediation is unsuccessful. Our team manages all three steps on your behalf. See our dispute resolution page for full details.

What insurance does an owners corporation need?

Under the Owners Corporation Act 2006, an owners corporation is required to hold building insurance for the full replacement value of any building on common property, as well as public liability insurance. Additional cover — such as voluntary workers insurance or machinery breakdown — may also be appropriate depending on your property. We review and coordinate insurance renewals as part of our compliance management service.

How do I contact OC Support for a new management enquiry?

You can reach us by email at ocm@ocsupport.com.au or by phone on (03) 9899 9526. Alternatively, use the contact form on our website. We typically respond to all enquiries within one business day.