A straightforward checklist covering portfolio priorities, committee contacts, meetings, urgent works and software access before a manager goes on leave.
Start with the work that cannot wait
A short-term appointment should protect continuity, not introduce a new layer of administration. Before arranging relief, identify which responsibilities must be handled during the absence and which can reasonably wait for the manager to return.
Review upcoming meetings, statutory and compliance dates, active maintenance work, important committee decisions, disputes and any matters that have already been escalated. A simple list of priorities will give the incoming professional a better understanding of the portfolio than a large folder of unstructured notes.
Prepare a short portfolio handover
For each scheme requiring attention, include the main committee contacts, any known sensitivities, upcoming AGM or general meeting dates, current contractor works, open insurance claims, outstanding decisions and the location of key correspondence.
Nominate a contact within the business who can make decisions where the relief manager does not have the necessary authority. That person should also be available for questions about established company procedures.
Confirm systems and access
The manager needs appropriate access to the agency's strata platform, document management system, email and communication channels. Confirm whether the assignment requires experience in PropertyIQ, Strata Master, Urbanise or another platform. Do not share another employee's login. Provide individual access with permissions suitable for the role and remove access promptly after the assignment.
Define the coverage arrangements
Be specific about the days and hours required, where the work will be carried out, and who will handle after-hours enquiries. For a two-week period, remote support may be suitable for correspondence and administration, while meeting attendance or complex committee matters may need someone in the office or on site.
Before the manager returns
Ask for a concise closing handover that records completed work, outstanding items, decisions made and any matters requiring follow-up. This avoids transferring the same uncertainty back to the returning manager.
If you need temporary strata management support in NSW or the ACT, tell Strata Temp Co about the role and expected hours. There is no obligation to proceed until a suitable arrangement and proposal have been agreed.