Understanding Roles and Responsibilities in a Condo Community
For a community to thrive, it is important for everyone (owners, tenants, board members, and management) to understand their roles and responsibilities. When a unit owner rents out their property, they take on the role of a landlord. However, the landlord/tenant relationship is different in a condominium than a traditional apartment rental.
On-Site Condo Owners:
As a condo unit owner, you hold a stake in the property and have certain rights and obligations, including:
Condo Fee Payments:
Paying condo fees and special assessments on time is crucial for maintaining and operating shared facilities.
Bylaw Compliance:
Adhering to the bylaws and rules set by the condominium corporation and the Condo Act.
Participation in the Condo Community:
Engaging in annual general meetings, electing the Board of Directors, and voting on key issues.
Off-Site Condo Owners and Investors:
Off-site unit owners have all the same responsibilities as on-site unit owners. But they are also landlords. While they may hire a manager of their own to help, these are their roles and responsibilities:
Unit Management:
Collecting rent and completing maintenance inside the unit. As a landlord of a condo unit, off-site unit owners are the first point of contact for any problems tenants may encounter.
Landlord-Tenant Act Compliance:
Complying with both the Residential Tenancies Act and the Condo Act includes providing copies of and ensuring tenants comply with all governing documents, including bylaws, rules, and the Condo Act. They must also notify the condo management of the leasing/ tenancy agreement and provide the tenant’s contact information within 10 days of signing a lease.
Tenants:
While tenants do not own their units, they must still respect the community’s rules and contribute positively to the living environment. Responsibilities for tenants are not exactly the same as those of tenants in a rental complex but include:
Rent Payments:
Paying rent to the unit owner on time allows the unit owner to pay their fees on time, which enables the community to function properly.
Compliance:
Like owners, tenants must follow the condo’s bylaws, rules, and the Condo Act.
Communication:
Reporting any issues to their landlord promptly. The unit owner or their representative is the first point of contact, not the corporation’s manager.
Condo Board Members:
The Condominium Board of Directors is elected by condo owners to manage the corporation’s affairs but often hires a management company for guidance and assistance with this responsibility. Their roles include:
Governance:
Developing and enforcing bylaws and rules, ensuring compliance with the Condominium Act.
Finances:
Preparing and approving budgets, managing reserve funds, and ensuring financial transparency.
Decision-Making:
Making decisions in the best interest of the condo community, such as maintenance projects, dispute resolutions, and improvements to common areas.
Communication:
Holding regular meetings and clearly communicating with owners about decisions and the financial health of the corporation.
Condo Managers:
Property Managers serve as a bridge between the Condo Board and the owners, executing the board’s decisions and ensuring the smooth operation of the community. Their responsibilities include:
Maintenance & Repairs:
Ensuring common areas are well-maintained and addressing repairs promptly.
Financial Management:
Collecting condo fees, managing budgets, and paying for necessary services.
Administration:
Handling communications, organizing meetings, and keeping records up to date.
Partner with Larlyn Property Management
At Larlyn Property Management, we strive to provide high-quality services to all members of the condo community. Contact us today for more information about property management services for condominium communities.
