What is a Volunteer Property Manager?
A volunteer property manager is a co-owner elected by the general meeting to manage the co-ownership without compensation. In Morocco, this model is very common, especially in small co-ownerships.
Under Law 18-00, a volunteer manager has the same legal obligations as a professional one, which can be a significant challenge.
Volunteer Manager Obligations Under Law 18-00
Administrative Obligations
- Maintain the co-owner registry
- Preserve archives and co-ownership documents
- Represent the co-owner syndicate in court
Financial Obligations
- Prepare the annual budget
- Manage the co-ownership bank account
- Call and collect charges
- Maintain compliant accounting
General Meeting Obligations
- Call the GM at least once a year
- Prepare the agenda
- Draft the minutes
Challenges of Volunteer Management
Managing a co-ownership as a volunteer isn't easy:
- Lack of time: balancing professional life and management
- Legal complexity: mastering legal obligations
- Conflicts: managing tensions between co-owners
- Collection: dealing with arrears
Tools to Facilitate Management
Digitization is the volunteer manager's best ally. Software like Syndy automates time-consuming tasks:
- Automatic charge calculation
- Fund call emails
- Real-time payment tracking
- Digital GM notices
- Online co-owner portal
When to Switch to a Professional?
It may be wise to hand over management to a professional if the co-ownership has more than 20 units, if major works are needed, or if arrears become unmanageable.
Conclusion
The volunteer property manager plays an essential role in Moroccan co-ownership. With the right tools and good knowledge of obligations, effective and transparent management is achievable.
