There are so many wonderful aspects of condominium living, including the freedom from having to clean, maintain and repair the exterior of the building, landscaping, amenity spaces and other common areas.
The condo is also a vibrant “community” – a vertical collection of homes and opportunities for getting to know your neighbours, all under one roof. Typically, the developer will establish a preliminary set of “rules” for the building until the condominium corporation is in place. Then, a condominium board of directors is elected to ensure the smooth operation of this community.
There are several reasons that you may want to become a member of this group of people who directly affect the quality of life that all residents enjoy. The main reason why many people serve on a condo board is to have a say in how their home is run. Residents of a condominium are expected to adhere to guidelines set out to protect their safety, privacy, comfort and investment in the long run.
Board duties include everything from awarding contracts for maintenance such as grounds upkeep and snow clearing, to ensuring that there is a substantial reserve fund to cover future building repairs. Board members make decisions about policies regarding amenity hours and use, noise, security, pets and the like. They hire staff such as the concierge, or contract a management company to handle some of the responsibilities. They also set a code of conduct, or guidelines for what constitutes acceptable behavior in the building. When situations arise among owners, the board serves as a liaison.
Qualifications for serving on the board include excellent communication skills, patience and the willingness to be a team player. If the vote on a particular item does not go your way, you have to accept the decision of the majority with grace and tact. There is, of course, the time commitment involved for meetings and other duties as well.
A condominium board works best when it is made up of people of varying backgrounds. If you have a particular expertise that can benefit the organization, such as property management, law, real estate sales, administration, landscaping, etc., you could be a valuable member of this important group. At the very least, you will meet like-minded neighbours and make friends during the board meetings. And you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving back to your community in an important way. Serving on the board will offer you a broad perspective of the condominium, and can be most interesting.
Even if you decide to not run for the board, as a resident of the condominium, you should take an active interest in the election of board members. Ask questions of those who are running and find out about their backgrounds and what ideas they have for running the building. Ask why they want to serve on the board, and determine whether their sensibilities are in line with your own. Keep in mind how beneficial it will be to have a board comprised of members with a variety of skills and knowledge bases. Think of it like voting in a municipal election. These are people who will make decisions that directly affect your day-to-day life.
The condominium board plays a vital role in a building’s future. This regular gathering of residents who accept the responsibility for running the building is the essence of “community” – and that’s what it’s all about. If you do not sit on the board, have respect for those who do. These people work together to nurture the sense of belonging that all residents feel, and when everyone in the building adheres to the guidelines they set out, life is more pleasant. They contribute greatly to transforming the condominium into your “home.” And the beauty of a condo board is that it is made up of suite owners who care.
Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas.
