Debt Recovery · Strata & Body Corporate
Recover levy arrears, special levies and by-law fines for owners corporations.
Strata levy arrears are a persistent problem for NSW owners corporations. An owner in financial difficulty or deliberately non-compliant can accumulate thousands in unpaid levies, straining the scheme's cash flow and placing the administrative burden on the strata manager. Recovia's strata recovery process is built around the NSW legal framework — the Strata Schemes Management Act, NCAT's Consumer and Commercial Division, and the lien rights available to owners corporations.
Industry challenges
Why Strata & Body Corporate businesses struggle to collect.
Owner hardship
Owners in levy arrears are often experiencing genuine financial hardship. Under the Strata Schemes Management Act, the EC must handle hardship appropriately — we ensure the process is documented and defensible.
NCAT process complexity
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal is the primary pathway for levy recovery — but the process is unfamiliar to most strata managers. We handle NCAT lodgement, preparation, and follow-through.
By-law fine disputes
Owners frequently dispute by-law fines on grounds of improper notice or EC authority. Correct notice, meeting minutes, and resolution records are critical to the enforceability of a fine.
Special levy resistance
Special levies — particularly for major works — face the most resistance. Owners who voted against the works are frequently the last to pay. A formal demand with the minutes of the resolution attached accelerates payment.
How Recovia helps
Recovery built for Strata & Body Corporate.
NCAT pathway
We manage the NCAT lodgement and hearing preparation for levy recovery — including the application, supporting evidence, and enforcement of any NCAT orders issued.
Strata Act compliance
Our process complies with the NSW Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 — proper notice periods, correct demand formats, and the right to add recovery costs to the levy debt.
Strata manager integration
We work directly with strata managers — reporting recovery status per lot, integrating with your levy ledger, and keeping the EC informed without adding to your administrative burden.
Interest and cost recovery
NSW owners corporations are entitled to add interest and reasonable recovery costs to the levy debt. We document and pursue these additions as part of the claim.
No win, no fee
Commission-only on what we recover. The owners corporation pays nothing upfront — recovery costs are borne by the non-paying owner as part of the claim.
Lot-by-lot reporting
Real-time dashboard showing recovery status per lot — outstanding balance, contact history, payment received, and next action. Strata managers can share access with the EC.
FAQ
Common questions about Strata & Body Corporate debt recovery.
Can Recovia take a levy debt to NCAT?
Yes. We manage the NCAT Consumer and Commercial Division process for strata levy recovery — from lodgement through to enforcement of any order. NCAT is the primary legal pathway for NSW owners corporations to recover levy arrears.
How are recovery costs handled for strata accounts?
Under the NSW Strata Schemes Management Act, reasonable recovery costs can be added to the levy debt owed by the non-compliant owner. We document and pursue these costs as part of the claim.
What's the minimum levy arrears amount worth pursuing?
We accept levy debt placements from $500. For amounts under $500, the cost of recovery often exceeds the debt — we'll advise honestly if an account isn't worth pursuing.
Can you handle special levy recovery where the owner voted against the works?
Yes. An owner's vote against a special levy resolution does not exempt them from payment obligations once the resolution passes. We pursue special levy arrears with the SSMA resolution and minutes as the basis for the claim.
Ready to recover your strata & body corporate debts?
Commission-only, no upfront cost, and a team that understands your industry. Place your accounts today.