Living in a condo is an attractive and practical option. But it’s also a communal residential model that comes with its set of rules… of which co-owners and tenants are sometimes unaware.
All the building’s rules (bylaws) are laid out in the Declaration of co-ownership—a usually several pages long document. The syndicate of co-owners can add or remove certain bylaws over time.
Residents should keep up to date on the applicable bylaws to ensure a harmonious living environment… and to avoid fines!
1. Communal Areas: They Must Remain Pristine
The courtyard, corridors, patio, gym, or even the entrance hall are all shared property. In other words, you can make use of them, but taking care of these spaces like you do your private dwelling is recommended.
It’s small gestures like not leaving your trash bags in the corridor, cleaning up after cooking on the patio barbecue, and wiping down the gym equipment after working out that keeps relations between neighbours friendly.
In fact, it’s not rare for these courtesies to be turned into bylaws and added to the declaration of co-ownership following complaints.
2. Noise: You Might Be Fined
A condo isn’t a single-family home. Moving a chair, walking in high heels, or watching an action movie late at night may produce far more noise than we imagine. Of course, a person who chooses to live in a condo should expect to hear some sounds from their neighbours’ units on a daily basis. Still, keep in mind that your walls and floors are shared partitions and that a little bit of effort on your part to reduce noise will make everyone happy.
Furthermore, the syndicate of co-owners may impose fines on those who make excessive or repeated noise and don’t respect the peace and quiet of other residents (if the declaration of co-owners provides for this sanction).
3. The Condo Fees: Not Paying May Have Consequences
Having the roof reshingled, the building’s windows washed, the elevator repaired all constitute shared expenses. Even if you’re not directly affected, they preserve the entire property’s value.
Contributing to paying these fees is, moreover, mandatory—whether or not you dislike paying for the pool’s maintenance because you never swim in it!
The building’s syndicate of co-owners could take legal action in the event a co-owner falls behind on their condo fees. Additionally, when the owner sells their unit, they will have to pay what is owed, often with accrued interest.
4. Pets: They May Prove Expensive
Many co-owned properties accept pets, but some syndicates of co-owners impose rules concerning the presence of pets, especially in the common rooms or areas with restricted use. For example, the declaration of co-ownership may limit the size, weight, breed, or number of pets allowed per unit.
Again, repeated infractions may lead to stiff fines. And since it’s general practice to install cameras in the common areas, escaping detection is difficult.
5. Meetings: Your Presence if Often Required
Yes, co-owners’ general meetings can seem very dull, but this is when all decisions related to building management are taken: maintenance work, budgets, improvements. These meetings ensure the building is run democratically. This is the time, moreover, for you to voice your opinions and vote on bylaws.
Your presence at these meetings isn’t in itself mandatory. However, the minimum quorum must be met (the co-owners in attendance or represented account for the majority of voices) for the meetings to occur. In the case of large buildings managed by an external company, fees are charged to oversee meetings, and they’re payable whether on not quorum is met and the meeting goes forward. So, a cancelled meeting may end up costing the residents a few hundred dollars!
To Implement Change, Join the Syndicate of Co-Owners
A syndicate of co-owners is formed when the declaration of co-ownership is published in Québec’s Land Registry. The declaration stipulates, namely, the number of required board members, which can vary depending on the building’s size. These administrators make decisions and guarantee effective building management. And as this work is sometimes either very poorly paid or undertaken on a volunteer basis, it’s important to show some forbearance to those who choose to participate.
Of course, continuous complaining never solved anything. If you want something changed, it’s best to put forward initiatives you can carry out yourself.
When living in a condo, certain rules apply… and they’re all essential to ensuring everyone gets along!