Michael Teys is the founder of The Strata Professionals Group and the architect of the professional standard every office in the network operates to.
He brings more than 40 years in strata — including over 30 years as a specialist strata lawyer — a decade of strata business ownership, and an active programme of academic research into multi-owned property governance.
Michael practised as a specialist strata lawyer from 1994, advising committees, developers, and owners across the full spectrum of strata disputes, compliance, and governance, and served as a Fellow of the Australian College of Strata Law. He went on to own and run strata management companies across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, managing a combined portfolio of tens of thousands of apartments. Running those businesses gave him direct exposure to the operational pressures strata managers face — and revealed the structural weaknesses that became the catalyst for founding the network.
He holds a Master of Philosophy (Built Environment) from UNSW, where his thesis examined how mixed-use strata developments create anti-commons risks that impede urban renewal, completed under an Australian Research Council scholarship. He has been accepted at the University of Oxford to undertake a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law. He has held research positions at the City Futures Research Centre (UNSW) and Deakin University, and presents regularly at international forums including Oxford, the House of Commons, and the International Research Forum on Multi-Owned Properties in Spain, Canada and Australia.
Michael writes The Strata Professional, a weekly newsletter on strata law, committee governance, and why true professionalism matters in this industry. You can learn more about him at michaelteys.com.
This combination of legal practice, business ownership, and research is the foundation of the franchise standard. Every element of how the network operates — from the no-commission pricing structure to the Balanced Strata Method™ — is grounded in something tested rather than assumed.
This article argues for a major overhaul of strata management agreements, emphasising transparency, fairness, and flexibility for both owners and managers. It criticises the current standard agreement as unfair and complex, proposing a simpler, more transparent approach.
This special edition of The Strata Professional delves into the recent strata management crisis, drawing parallels to the Alliance Strata scandal of the 1990s. The article explores the ongoing issue of undisclosed insurance commissions and the potential impact of federal intervention from the ACCC.
Discover how to thrive amidst chaos and seize opportunities arising from the Four Corners investigation. Learn expert strategies for adapting your business, securing top talent, and leading the charge in the new era of strata management.
Striking the Balance Between Compassion and Collection. Debt collection for strata managers is a tightrope walk. Balancing financial responsibility with resident hardship is key. Discover effective strategies like SMS reminders (avoiding late fees) and explore collection tools like Mailchimp.
Four Corners Exposes Strata Manager Scandals: Get ahead of the crisis with expert advice. Learn how to handle tough questions, protect your reputation, and maintain client trust in the face of industry scrutiny. Don't miss this essential guide for strata managers navigating the aftermath of the Four Corners investigation.
Learn from a recent WHS prosecution where a strata management company was fined $150,000 for a fatal workplace accident. Discover key observations from the case and essential steps for strata management principals to manage their risk of personal liability in WHS incidents
Discover how a simple chart reveals the breakdown of administrative and capital works levies in a 14-lot residential scheme in Sydney, debunking the myth that strata fees are excessively profitable.
Explore the rising tensions in strata management post-pandemic, the impact on staff morale, and strategies to reduce workplace aggression and improve communication in the industry.
This article discusses emerging trends impacting the strata management industry globally. It identifies key challenges such as building disrepair, aging infrastructure, and regulatory complexities.
This article discusses critical issues affecting the strata management industry. It features an interview with industry experts on a podcast, delving into topics such as questionable charging practices, accountability gaps, and the challenges of industry reform.
