Top 5 Strata Compliance Mistakes Jamaican Property Owners Make

Introduction

Strata living in Jamaica has grown rapidly, but with growth comes responsibility. Strata Corporations are legally required to comply with the Registration (Strata Titles) Act, and failure to do so can result in penalties, disputes, and costly repairs. At Bloomhood Solutions Ltd, we’ve seen first-hand the most common mistakes made by property owners and committees—and how to avoid them.

1. Failing to File Annual Returns

Many strata corporations forget or delay filing their annual returns with the Office of the Registrar of Companies. This simple compliance step, if missed, puts the corporation in breach of the law. The longer the delay, the more difficult (and expensive) it becomes to bring the strata back into good standing.

2. Poor Record-Keeping and Accounting

From missing financial statements to incomplete maintenance records, poor documentation is one of the biggest compliance red flags. We’ve encountered cases where years of accounting data were lost, creating confusion, disputes, and even millions in unexplained suspense accounts. Without proper accounting systems, owners can’t make informed decisions about their property.

3. Ignoring Maintenance Obligations

Strata compliance isn’t just paperwork—it’s about maintaining the property. Too often, committees delay repairs to critical infrastructure like roofs, water systems, and shared spaces. In one case, a leaking roof went unaddressed for years, causing extensive damage to top-floor apartments. This neglect not only breached compliance obligations but cost owners far more in the long run.

4. Ineffective Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

AGMs are legally required, but many are poorly organized or skipped altogether. Missing notices, incomplete agendas, or failure to record minutes can invalidate decisions made at these meetings. Worse, they open the door to owner disputes and legal challenges.

5. Lack of Professional Guidance

Many committees rely solely on volunteers without professional input. While well-meaning, this often leads to oversights in compliance, accounting, and HR obligations. Engaging professional property management support ensures that legal requirements are met, risks are minimized, and the property runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Strata compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential to protect property values, avoid penalties, and maintain harmony within the community. At Bloomhood Solutions Ltd, we provide expert property management, accounting, HR, and compliance services tailored to the Jamaican market. Don’t wait for a compliance issue to become a crisis—reach out today to keep your strata corporation on the right track.