Strata buildings are those that are divided into both individual ownership of units and shared ownership of common areas like hallways, gardens and the roof. These shared areas require a coordinated cleaning effort to boost harmony within the building community and to maintain the value of the property long-term. Property managers who wish to successfully handle the expectations of unit owners, strata committees and building residents should have a comprehensive plan for keeping the building looking its best.
Professional cleaning of strata buildings has multiple benefits, which we will explore in more detail in this article: it reduces disputes between residents and unit owners, reduces complaints to strata committees and reduces damage to the building as a whole, reducing maintenance costs for property managers.
The Difference Between Strata Cleaning and Residential Cleaning
Strata cleaning is not like residential cleaning. It covers the shared spaces of the building, for example, landings, lifts, stairwells, recycling spaces, car parks and gardens. The higher foot traffic in these areas means a demand for commercial standard cleaning products and equipment rather than residential-level cleaning. There are both routine and periodic tasks involved in strata cleaning, and a well-organised contract cleaner will have a detailed calendar for the completion of both.
As these areas are publicly used, there is a need for compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) when cleaning them. Fire safety considerations must also be made, especially regarding the obstruction of doorways and fire escapes, and there are strict protocols relating to lift access too, when cleaning lifts and lift pits.
The scale and complexity of strata buildings make cleaning them a task well in excess of any standard residential clean. It is also vital that cleaners in strata buildings work around the schedules of the residents and any operational timings of the building.
Communication Strategies: Keeping Strata Committees and Residents Informed
When a building has multiple unit owners and multiple residents, contract cleaners must be careful to provide a fully transparent service. This means keeping all stakeholders informed at all stages of the cleaning process. In the digital age, this is easier than ever: service logs can be accessed by many users at once, before and after photos can be uploaded to a central portal, and monthly reports can be easily shared with all parties.
There should be clear expectations set out from the start regarding the timing and access of cleaning in a strata building. Noise concerns should be addressed rapidly to reduce resident complaints, although these are not fully preventable. If complaints do arise, they must be handled in a timely and professional fashion to preserve the perception of your service.
It can be very beneficial in a strata building to have singular points of contact, both on the side of the strata committee and in the cleaning team. This reduces communication mix-ups and keeps lines of communication as clear as possible to ensure maximum satisfaction.
Managing Vandalism, Graffiti, and Waste Disposal in Common Areas
Some areas of buildings used by multiple users or groups of users are at high-risk of vandalism and graffiti. These include car parks, stairwells, recycling spaces and external walls. It is essential to deal with this quickly to prevent its escalation.
Studies have suggested that visible physical signs of neglect in a public space are linked to an increase in antisocial behaviour and actions. Visible signs of disorder can suggest that an area is uncared for and therefore that there will be few or no consequences for repeat or even escalated offences. (source)
Waste disposal can be a complex issue in strata buildings with multiple occupants. To ensure safety for all residents, there must be strict protocols around the disposal of sharps, biohazardous materials and excessively contaminated waste. This can present a challenge if recycling areas are small or do not provide the facilities required, and it is important to recognise the typical waste produced by strata users in order to meet their waste disposal needs.
Poor waste management can lead to multiple issues that are damaging to residents’ experiences and perceptions of the building. Unmanaged waste can produce foul odours, encourage pests and introduce hygiene issues to a building that can be easily avoided.
How Consistent Cleaning Directly Impacts Capital Gains and Rental Yields
Clean and well-kept strata buildings are attractive to potential clients, and it follows that a building kept to a high standard will attract higher-quality unit owners and tenants. The perceived value of a building increases when it is well-maintained and kept as clean as possible.
When strata buildings are well-managed, repair costs can be reduced over time. This is because effective and efficient cleaning reduces, for example, the instances of water ingress and mould, preventing extensive water damage to the building and reducing deterioration of carpets and flooring.
Well-kept buildings invite greater resident satisfaction, which results in a lower turnover of strata residents and therefore greater stability in your rental yield.
Strata buildings should exist on a basis of regular and effective cleaning to keep up high levels of maintenance and hygiene. This is in contrast to reactive cleaning, which reflects neglected spaces and reduced maintenance outcomes.
Conclusion
Proactive cleaning of a strata building is one of the most effective ways that a property manager can protect their investment in a building’s value and promote a harmonious environment for building residents or users. In buildings where common areas are kept clean and well-maintained, there are significantly fewer disputes and greatly increased resident satisfaction. Problems are spotted early, and this means they rarely escalate into costly repairs.
Clear communication, proactive reporting of issues and consistently high standards ensure that strata committees are constantly aware of the cleaning services being delivered in the building, and they understand the importance of actions being undertaken.
A cleaning partnership with a strata building management team should demonstrate professionalism and reliability at every turn. Successful strata cleaning supports the growth over time of the building’s capital and boosts the rental appeal. Owners who are confident that their investment is properly cared for will have faith in the building and its management, strengthening the financial future of the unit.
If you manage a strata building, contact Matthews Cleaning Company to see how we could become your newest partner in maintaining Sydney strata properties.