Strata meetings are an important part of living in a shared community. These meetings often involve decisions about building maintenance, budgets, and by-law changes that can affect your daily life and financial responsibilities. But what happens if you can’t attend a meeting in person?
Missing it could mean losing your voice in decisions that impact your property. That’s where appointing a proxy becomes useful. Having someone represent you ensures that your opinions and votes are still counted, even when you’re unavailable.
Understanding Proxies in Strata
Before you decide to appoint someone, it’s important to understand what is the actual meaning of proxies in strata. A proxy is another person who attends strata meetings and votes on your behalf. This could be a neighbor, a family member, or even a professional you trust. By giving them authority to act for you, you ensure that your vote isn’t wasted just because you can’t be present.
Every state or territory usually has its own laws about how proxies work, including how many people one proxy can represent and how long the appointment lasts.
Choosing the Right Person as Your Proxy
Selecting the right proxy isn’t something to take lightly. The person you appoint should be reliable, informed, and willing to attend the meeting on your behalf. They should also be someone you trust to follow your instructions or, if you allow them discretion, to make decisions that reflect your best interests.
If the meeting is going to cover sensitive issues like major building repairs or significant financial decisions, your proxy should be prepared to listen carefully and vote according to your wishes. Communication is key. It’s a good idea to sit down with your proxy ahead of time, discuss the agenda, and make clear what outcomes you prefer.
How to Appoint a Proxy
The process of appointing a proxy often requires completing a written form. This form will usually ask for your details, the proxy’s details, and whether the appointment is for a single meeting or ongoing for a set period. You may also need to specify if the proxy must follow your directions or if they have the freedom to decide on your behalf.
Once the form is completed, it often needs to be submitted to the strata manager or the secretary of the committee before the meeting begins. Deadlines can vary, so it’s smart to check well in advance.
Rights and Limits of a Proxy
While a proxy acts in your place, they don’t get unlimited power. They can only do what the rules allow. For example, in many places, one person can only hold a limited number of proxies at a time. This prevents one person from controlling too many votes.
Your proxy also cannot go beyond what you’ve authorized. If you’ve instructed them to vote in a certain way, they should follow those directions. That’s why it’s essential to document your expectations clearly.
Why Appointing a Proxy Matters
Life is busy, and not everyone has the time to attend every strata meeting. However, the decisions made in those rooms can influence your property value, your living experience, and even your financial obligations. Appointing a proxy gives you peace of mind knowing that your voice is still represented, even if you’re not sitting in the room.
When used correctly, proxies allow communities to function smoothly without leaving anyone out. They are a practical solution for owners who travel, work late hours, or simply cannot attend due to other commitments.
