A Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) is a legal entity that is responsible for the management and maintenance of strata‐titled properties in Singapore.
The term “strata‐titled” refers to properties that are divided into individual units or lots, such as apartments, condominiums, or townhouses.
Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act in Singapore, it is mandatory for all strata‐titled properties to establish a Management Corporation to oversee the common areas and facilities shared by all residents.
This corporation is made up of owners of the individual units and is responsible for managing the property’s common property, including amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and common areas.
The MCST is responsible for ensuring that the common property is well‐maintained and that necessary repairs and upgrades are carried out in a timely manner.
This includes managing the property’s finances, setting budgets, and collecting fees from owners to cover the costs of maintenance and repairs.
In addition to managing the property’s physical infrastructure, the MCST also enforces rules and regulations to ensure that residents comply with the property’s bylaws and maintain a harmonious living environment.
This may include rules around noise levels, use of common areas, and conduct within the property. Overall, the MCST plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient management of strata‐titled properties in Singapore, and helps to ensure that residents can enjoy a comfortable and well‐maintained living environment. It also provides a platform for residents to voice their concerns and participate in decision‐making processes related to the property.
To carry out its functions effectively, the MCST typically engages a professional managing agent who is responsible for the day‐to‐day management of the property. This includes coordinating repairs and maintenance work, handling administrative tasks such as billing and collections, and liaising with relevant authorities and contractors.
In Singapore, the role of the MCST has become increasingly important with the rise of strata‐titled properties, which now make up a significant portion of the housing market. As such, there is a growing need for well‐trained and competent MCSTs and managing agents who can effectively manage these properties and ensure the welfare of their residents.
To this end, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore has introduced various training and certification programs for MCSTs and managing agents, aimed at improving their skills and knowledge in areas such as financial management, building maintenance, and dispute resolution. These efforts are expected to further strengthen the role of the MCST in Singapore’s housing landscape and enhance the quality of living for its residents.
Strata property management is a specialized form of property management that is focused on the management and maintenance of strata‐titled properties. Strata‐titled properties are those that are divided into individual units or lots, such as apartments, condominiums, or townhouses, with common property or facilities shared by all residents.
In strata property management, the management of the common property is a key focus. This includes the maintenance of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and common areas, as well as the building’s exterior and surrounding grounds. The strata property manager is responsible for ensuring that these areas are well‐maintained and that necessary repairs and upgrades are carried out in a timely manner.
Additionally, the strata property manager is responsible for managing the property’s finances. This includes setting budgets, collecting fees from owners to cover the costs of maintenance and repairs, and ensuring that financial records are properly maintained and audited.
In strata property management, enforcing rules and regulations to ensure that residents comply with the property’s bylaws and maintain a harmonious living environment is also an important aspect. This may include rules around noise levels, use of common areas, and conduct within the property.
Overall, the role of a strata property manager is to provide efficient and effective management of the property, ensuring that the common areas and facilities are well‐maintained, that the finances are managed properly, and that the property is run in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
Strata management, also known as strata title management, refers to the management of strata‐titled properties, which are properties that are divided into individual units or lots, such as apartments, condominiums, or townhouses, with common property or facilities shared by all residents.
Strata management involves the creation of a legal entity known as the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), which is responsible for the management and maintenance of the common property and facilities shared by all residents. The MCST is made up of owners of the individual units and is responsible for managing the property’s common property, including amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and common areas.
The strata manager is appointed by the MCST and is responsible for the day‐to‐day management of the property. This includes coordinating repairs and maintenance work, handling administrative tasks such as billing and collections, and liaising with relevant authorities and contractors. The strata manager is also responsible for enforcing rules and regulations to ensure that residents comply with the property’s bylaws and maintain a harmonious living environment.
Some of the key responsibilities of strata management include financial management, building maintenance, dispute resolution, and communication with residents. Strata managers must ensure that the property is well‐maintained, that necessary repairs and upgrades are carried out in a timely manner, and that residents are kept informed about important issues related to the property.
Overall, the goal of strata management is to provide efficient and effective management of the property, ensuring that the common areas and facilities are well‐maintained, that the finances are managed properly, and that the property is run in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
If you are an owner or resident in a strata‐titled property and you wish to change your current strata management company, there are several steps you can take:
Review your current management contract: Review your current strata management contract to understand the terms and conditions of the contract, including the termination clause and notice period required.
Call for a general meeting: Call for a general meeting of all owners or residents to discuss the issue and to gather support for the change. Make sure to provide adequate notice for the meeting, as required by your property’s bylaws.
Vote on the change: At the general meeting, a vote can be taken to decide whether to change the strata management company. The vote must meet the required quorum, as specified in your property’s bylaws, and must be conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
Give notice to the current management company: Once the decision to change the strata management company has been made, written notice should be given to the current management company, in accordance with the notice period specified in the contract.
Appoint a new strata management company: Once the notice period has elapsed, you can appoint a new strata management company. It is important to review their contract and ensure that their terms and conditions are acceptable before signing any agreements.
Hand over management responsibilities: The new strata management company should work with the outgoing company to ensure a smooth handover of management responsibilities. The new company should also be introduced to residents and owners to ensure a positive working relationship.
It is important to note that changing strata management companies can be a complex and time‐consuming process, and may involve legal and financial implications. It is recommended that you seek professional advice before proceeding with any changes.
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