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Condo Etiquette & Common Sense

By Joe Vero, The Condo Guide, Guest Columnist, March 15, 1999

Condominium living has a lot of advantages to offer today’s buyer, as regularly highlighted on the pages of this publication. But it also may require certain lifestyle adjustment, particularly for those who are used to living in a freehold single family home.

In a condominium community, your neighbours are more than just your neighbours. Beyond any common interests you might share, you also have the same strong financial interest in keeping your property attractive and well maintained. So, as neighbours and co-investors, you’re going to have to co-exist and cooperate…which is facilitated by following a certain code of behavior.

Like good manners, “condominium etiquette” is largely just a matter of common sense and common courtesy. And by putting it into practice, you’ll likely enjoy your new condominium lifestyle in a much happier and harmonious way.

It begins with the suggestion to “know thy neighbor”. When moving into a condominium community, people rarely do know one another…but it certainly pays to do a little homework before making the move.

If you were an empty nester looking for a little peace and quiet and you moved into a family oriented community unaware, you’d soon discover the sometimes rambunctious nature of your young neighbours. Likewise, if you were a young couple looking to start a family, you’d want playmates for your children – something you certainly wouldn’t find an any of the more adult-oriented lifestyle communities.

So research the community before you move into it. Talk to some of the residents and ask them pointed questions about the quality of the homes, the administration and maintenance. You’ll get a much better idea of what the community is like be taking to them than you will from your realtor.

Is there a Neighborhood Watch program? Such programs indicate that owners are involved and concerned with the safety and general upkeep of their property. Do residents regularly get together to coffee or cards? Are there community Christmas parties, summer BBQs or other seasonal celebrations? Again, these are good indications that the community is a friendly one, providing an enjoyable living environment for all who reside there.

Once you have made the decision to move, get involved. Go out of your way to be friendly to your neighbours and those you meet on the grounds. Attend those parties or social functions. And join the Board of Directors.

That’s strongly recommended. You don’t have to take on a lot of responsibilities to be a member but it’s worth it to be kept informed and on the inside track. After all, your home is your greatest asset and you want to be kept abreast of its physical and financial status as well as having some influence in how it is run.

Another major part of knowing how to “behave” in your prospective new condominium home is through reading and understanding the condominium corporation’s rules and regulations. Before you buy, ask for a copy of the Estoppels Certificate which should contain a complete listing.

These rules and regulations set a “living standard” which can change and evolve over the years (while being reviewed periodically by the corporation’s legal counsel to ensure the corporation’s legal counsel to ensure they’re legal and/or enforceable). They are all geared to the general comfort safety and well-being of the residents, and the physical well-being of the building…but you may find one or two give you some pause.

Got a dog or cat? Best check to ensure what the condominium’s declaration is on Rover before buying. Want to add an enclosure to your balcony? Ask first – there could well be regulations prohibiting such additions.

Most of it simply comes down to knowing the rules. You don’t have to be able to recite them by chapter and verse, but understand your tights and responsibilities as a condominium owner.

Be reasonable and respectful…be friendly and tolerant…and you’ll be happy living in a community with neighbours all dedicated to your common good and contentment.

http://sutramas-kl.blogspot.com/2008/06/etiquette-series-1-article-condo.html

Her husband Luigi Natale is also a lawyer in downtown Toronto.