The Founder Must Also Be Governed

Much of a trustee's time in a sectional title scheme goes on enforcing the conduct rules against neighbours: cars left in the visitor bays, washing hung over balconies, loud music after hours, pets that were never approved. That work only carries weight while the trustees are seen keeping the same rules. Once the chairperson's second car lives in a visitor bay, every letter about parking reads as a joke, and owners stop treating the rules as rules.

Money is where owners watch hardest. A trustee whose relative's company is quoting to paint the building is expected to declare that interest and stay out of the decision. A trustee who is behind on levies is in a weak spot to chase anyone else for arrears, and everyone in the complex knows it. These things get noticed because they show whether the rules apply to everyone or only to the people without a vote. When the trustees pay first, declare first and park where they should, enforcement becomes a small job. When they do not, it becomes impossible, and no strongly worded letter on the managing agent's letterhead will change that.