An ACT Legislative Assembly committee has started an inquiry into the management of strata properties, amid expectations more residents will live in high-density housing.

The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs will consider the role of strata managers, including qualifications and licensing, conflicts of interest and fee models during the inquiry into “the application of the Unit Titles (Management) Act 2011, and its current performance”.

The terms of reference also cover executive committee member roles, responsibilities, training and skills required, decision-making models, issues in mixed-use commercial and residential buildings, access to environmental initiatives for residents, and the remit for a potential strata commissioner.

“Given a significant proportion of ACT residents live in a strata property, an examination of how well they presently function is important,” committee chair Peter Cain said.

“This is particularly relevant given the ACT planning strategy aims to increase urban infill. Even more people will live in apartments, townhouses and mixed-use developments.”

Strata Community Association (ACT), which has called for the appointment of a strata commissioner, has welcomed the inquiry.

“The terms of reference put forward by the Legislative Assembly give us a real opportunity to put forward some positive and progressive positions on issues that our members have been looking to government to adopt, and we look forward to the opportunity,” president Chris Miller said.

SCA says strata properties in the territory are worth $32 billion and the sector is growing “extremely quickly” there.

“The establishment of a dedicated strata commissioner’s office that acted as a one-stop shop and streamlined everything related to strata would improve strata living and management significantly,” Mr Miller said.

NSW overhauled its strata laws last year, including on insurance remuneration disclosure and conflicts of interest, following concerns over practices in the sector. The disclosure requirements start from February 3.

Submissions to the ACT inquiry close on March 7. A reporting date is yet to be confirmed. Details are available here.