The Property Manager manages the Owners Association, but does not decide alone.

There are sometimes misunderstandings about the role of the Property Manager.
The Property Manager is responsible for the management and execution of specific tasks within the Owners Association. But that does not mean they can decide everything that happens to the building independently.

The co-owners remain the decision-makers for matters that, by law, belong to the General Meeting.

What does the Property Manager do?

The Property Manager is responsible for, among other things, the day-to-day management and practical follow-up of the Owners Association.

In this role, they can, for example:

• execute the decisions of the General Meeting;
• manage the administration of the Owners Association;
• organize the accounting and financial follow-up;
• follow up on maintenance and repairs within their powers;
• organize the General Meeting;
• inform owners about matters important to the management of the building;
• act when urgent measures are needed within their legal powers.

What can the Property Manager not just do?

The Property Manager cannot simply decide on matters for which a decision by the co-owners is required.
When, for example, a major investment, large-scale works, or another decision requires the approval of the General Meeting, the decision must be presented to the owners according to the applicable rules.
The Property Manager can prepare a proposal, gather information, and provide advice.

But ultimately, it is the co-owners who vote when the decision belongs to the General Meeting.

A proposal is not always approved

It can happen that the Property Manager presents a proposal that the owners do not agree with.
If the required majority is not achieved, the Property Manager cannot simply carry out that decision themselves.
That does not necessarily mean the Property Manager "does not want to do" something.

Sometimes it simply means:
The co-owners have decided not to approve the proposal.

That is an important difference.

Collaboration between owners and Property Manager

The Property Manager and the co-owners each have their own role.
The owners decide on matters for which they are authorized.
The Property Manager manages and executes within their legal and contractual powers.

Good management of a building works best when both parties know and fulfill their roles.

Good to remember

The Property Manager is there to manage the Owners Association. The owners are there to help decide on their building.

The General Meeting is the moment when these two come together: the Property Manager informs and guides, and the co-owners take the decisions for which their vote is required.