Apartment owners associated with Netstrata have reported being charged brokerage fees up to six times the typical industry rate. For instance, a unit block in Sutherland was previously charged a brokerage fee amounting to 148% of the base insurance premium, whereas the standard industry fee ranges between 20% to 25%.
These findings emerged after Netstrata began uploading years of past insurance invoices into clients' online portals, allowing apartment owners to scrutinize the fees for the first time. The disclosure has led to widespread concern among property owners, many of whom feel betrayed by the lack of transparency.
Industry experts have expressed alarm over these practices. Tyrone Shandiman, chair of the Australian Consumer Insurance Lobby (ACIL), noted that such high fees are unprecedented and deemed them excessive and unreasonable.
In response to these revelations, there is a growing call for reforms to enhance transparency and accountability within the strata management industry. Property owners are urged to review their insurance arrangements meticulously and seek independent advice to ensure they are not subjected to exorbitant fees.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence in strata management practices to protect the interests of property owners and maintain trust within the industry.
