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Office Bearers Liability Insurance for Strata

Protect your strata committee members from personal liability. Office bearers liability covers management decisions, financial oversight, and compliance obligations.

Committee

Protection

Personal

Liability Shield

Strata

Guidance

Recognition

Industry Awards

Strata committee members volunteer their time to manage the building. Without proper office bearers liability cover, a single negligent decision can expose them to personal financial ruin.

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Personal Liability Risk

Under strata legislation, committee members have a duty to manage the building and common property responsibly. Failure to maintain the building, procure adequate insurance, or comply with by-laws can result in personal claims against individual committee members.

Often Overlooked

Many strata committees don't review their office bearers liability limits or understand what's covered. We specifically review this section of the commercial strata policy to ensure the committee is properly protected.

WHY TANK INSURANCE

Why strata committees trust us with office bearers liability

Office bearers liability is a critical but often neglected part of strata insurance. We review this section carefully and ensure the cover matches the committee's actual exposure.

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01

Limit Adequacy Review

We assess the scheme's size, complexity, and risk profile to recommend an appropriate office bearers liability limit rather than just accepting the default.

02

Coverage Gap Analysis

Not all office bearers liability sections are equal. We compare insurer wordings to identify gaps in coverage that could leave committee members exposed.

03

Claims Support

If a claim is made against the committee, we manage the process and coordinate with the insurer's panel lawyers on the committee's behalf.

04

Risk Management Advice

We advise committees on record-keeping, decision documentation, and governance practices that reduce the likelihood of claims and strengthen the committee's position if one arises.

RISK LANDSCAPE

Key Risks Covered by Office Bearers Liability

Office bearers face a broad range of potential claims related to their management of the strata scheme.

Failure to properly maintain the building leading to injury or property damage claims
Negligent decision-making by the committee regarding building repairs or upgrades
Breach of fiduciary duty in managing the owners corporation's finances
Discrimination claims from lot owners or tenants against committee members
Defamation claims arising from committee communications or meeting minutes
Failure to comply with strata legislation or by-laws causing financial loss
Inadequate insurance procurement leaving the scheme underinsured
Disputes with strata managers, contractors, or service providers resulting in litigation

The larger and more complex the strata scheme, the greater the exposure for committee members. Commercial strata committees face higher risk than residential because of the additional complexity of commercial tenancies and higher sums involved.

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POLICY SCOPE

What Office Bearers Liability Covers

Office bearers liability protects the people who manage the strata scheme from personal claims arising from their decisions.

Documents and meeting notes representing strata committee governance
Documents and meeting notes representing strata committee governance

Usually Covered

✓ Legal defence costs for claims against committee members
✓ Compensation for financial loss caused by negligent management decisions
✓ Breach of fiduciary duty claims against committee members and the owners corporation
✓ Defamation claims arising from committee communications
✓ Employment practices claims (wrongful dismissal of building manager or staff)
✓ Fidelity guarantee covering theft or misappropriation of scheme funds

Not Typically Covered

✕ Intentional wrongdoing, fraud, or dishonesty by committee members
✕ Claims arising from criminal acts
✕ Known circumstances not disclosed to the insurer
✕ Building defects or physical damage (covered by the main strata policy)
✕ Personal injury in common areas (covered by public liability)
✕ Professional advice given by committee members in their personal professional capacity

Office bearers liability is typically included in the broader commercial strata policy but the limits and coverage can be adjusted. We review this section at every renewal.

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QUESTIONS

Office Bearers Liability FAQs

Office bearers liability insurance (also called management liability or D&O for strata) protects committee members, the strata manager, and the owners corporation from claims arising from their management decisions. This includes allegations of negligence, breach of duty, failure to maintain the building, and financial mismanagement.
It typically protects the chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and all committee members of the owners corporation. It can also extend to the strata manager and voluntary workers involved in managing the scheme. Protection covers both current and past office bearers for decisions made during their tenure.
In most commercial strata insurance policies, office bearers liability is included as a standard section. However, the limits, exclusions, and scope of cover vary between insurers. We review this section specifically to ensure the coverage is adequate for the committee's exposure.
Common claims include: failure to maintain the building resulting in water damage or injury. inadequate insurance procurement leading to underinsurance. negligent approval of building works. breach of by-laws. discrimination against lot owners. and financial mismanagement of the sinking fund or administrative fund. These claims can arise in any commercial strata scheme, whether it's an office building, retail centre, or mixed-use building.
Yes. Under strata legislation, committee members can face personal liability for decisions made in their capacity as office bearers. Without adequate office bearers liability cover, a committee member could be personally sued for losses caused by a negligent decision. This is why adequate cover is essential for every commercial strata scheme.
The appropriate limit depends on the size and complexity of the scheme. A small commercial strata with a few lots may need $2 million to $5 million. Larger schemes with higher sums insured, more lot owners, and complex tenancy arrangements should consider $10 million or more. Schemes with specialist tenancies like medical centres or childcare centres often warrant higher limits due to the regulatory complexity. We assess the scheme and recommend an appropriate limit.
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Protect Your Strata Committee

Office bearers liability is essential protection for every strata committee member. We ensure your cover is adequate for the decisions your committee makes.

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Expert Review: 20/02/2026

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