Who this article is for
Lot owners
Committee members
Anyone who has purchased a Cohabit Expert Report and wants to message the assigned strata expert
When can an owner chat with a strata expert?
Owners can only message a strata expert after they purchase an Expert Report for a building.
Once the report request is submitted:
A strata expert is assigned
A dedicated Messages thread is created automatically
You’ll be notified when the expert sends you replies
You can chat via desktop, mobile browser, or the Cohabit iOS app
Buyers follow a similar process — but this article covers owners.
Where to find your expert messages
You can access your expert chat in two ways:
1. From the Messages section
Log in to Cohabit.
Click Messages in the main menu (desktop)
On iOS app: tap the Messages icon in the bottom navigation bar
On mobile browser: open the menu → Messages
Find the message thread titled with:
The building address, and
The name of the assigned expert
(Screenshot: Messages list showing “Expert Report – [Building Address]”)
Tap/click it to open the conversation.
2. From your Expert Report
Open your building under My Buildings.
Go to the Expert Report tab.
Look for the Chat with expert or Message expert button.
This opens the same conversation thread.
What you can ask your expert
Your expert can help you understand:
What the insights mean
Why certain issues or risks appear in the records
What the financial or maintenance patterns indicate
Whether items look typical or concerning
What certain documents or compliance items refer to
They cannot give:
Legal advice
Financial planning or tax advice
Personal recommendations
Strata management advice (their role is interpretive, not managerial)
They can help clarify the records so you can speak confidently with your committee or strata manager.
How to send a message
Open your expert message thread.
Type your question or comment into the message box.
Send.
(Screenshot: Chat panel with text box and send button)
You’ll receive notifications when the expert replies:
Desktop: badge in the Messages panel
Mobile browser: red dot in the menu
Cohabit iOS app: push notification (if enabled)
Tips for better questions
Reference the insight or section you’re asking about
e.g., “In the Financials section, you mentioned…”
Be specific (include dates, lots, minutes, or amounts if relevant)
Focus your questions on clarifying the records
If the expert needs more documents, they will let you know
FAQs
Q: Can my strata manager see my conversation with the expert?
No. This chat is private between you and your assigned expert.
Q: Can I message an expert without purchasing a report?
No. Messaging is available only after you submit and pay for a report.
Q: My expert isn’t replying — what do I do?
Experts normally respond within 1 business day.
If it’s been longer, message Cohabit Support through the chat bubble.