A personal approach
to body corporate management
That’s why we take the time to listen, tailoring our management approach to suit every person, their communication style and business preferences.
Receive an obligation
free proposal
Please contact us here if you are seeking a proposal for a building we don’t currently manage. If you are an existing BCsystems customer please email us at info@bcsystems.com.au
Living in a strata community means sharing spaces, amenities, and everyday life with others, and that naturally comes with occasional disagreements or complaints.
While it’s easy for frustrations to build up, complaints don’t have to be purely negative. When addressed respectfully, they can lead to practical improvements and stronger relationships.
1. Understand the Issue Fully
Before taking ‘action’, it’s important to clearly identify the problem.
What specifically is bothering you? Is it a one-off noise, repeated behaviour, or a shared-space issue?
Being clear about the details can help you approach the situation calmly and communicate your concerns effectively. Knowing exactly what’s happening, and when, also makes it easier to discuss solutions with your neighbour or the committee, without assumptions or misunderstandings getting in the way.
2. Approach with Empathy
Complaints often escalate because people feel attacked or unheard.
Speaking calmly and respectfully, while considering the other person’s perspective, can turn a tense situation into a constructive conversation.
Sometimes there’s a reason behind behaviour that isn’t immediately obvious.
3. Focus on Solutions, Not Blame
The goal isn’t to ‘catch’ someone doing something wrong, but to find a fix that works for everyone.
Often, those causing the issue aren’t even aware their behaviour is creating a nuisance.
Approaching the situation with understanding and focusing on practical solutions – like using headphones, keeping communal areas tidy, or parking in designated spaces, can reduce friction and help everyone coexist more harmoniously.
4. Use Committee Support Wisely
The committee or body corporate manager can help mediate issues without taking sides. They provide guidance on by-laws, act as neutral facilitators, and can document agreed solutions to prevent recurring complaints.
Their support is essential to ensuring issues are handled fairly and compassionately.
5. Turn Complaints into Improvements
Sometimes complaints highlight opportunities for improvement.
Excessive noise near a gym or pool might be resolved by opening and closing timetable adjustments, while messy bin areas could be solved by a cleaning rotation or upgraded storage.
Approaching complaints with a problem-solving mindset can benefit everyone.
6. Encourage Open Channels
Creating easy ways for residents to share concerns before frustration builds is key.
Anonymous digital forms, suggestion boxes, regular check-ins, or friendly reminders in newsletters about respectful communication can all help maintain a positive community culture.
Complaints aren’t just problems – they’re feedback.
Related content
Share This Post
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More To Explore
Turning Resident Complaints Into Practical Solutions
While it’s easy for frustrations to build up, complaints don’t have to be purely negative. When addressed respectfully, they can lead to practical improvements and stronger relationships.
General Business at an AGM
While it might sound like a free-for-all discussion, this part of the meeting has clear boundaries. It provides a forum for owners to raise questions, share information, and highlight issues, but it cannot be used to make decisions that bind the body corporate unless the matter is properly included as a formal motion on the agenda.