Tips For Your Condo When Going Vacationing

Before heading south or any other destination, it is important that you contact your condominium management or directors. A lot can happen in your absence and you should have a checklist to avoid any problems.

First of all, provide the corporation with a forwarding mailing address and phone number where you can be reached. Inquire if there are any special procedures that should be followed before leaving your condo vacant for weeks or months. For instance, you won't want to come back to frozen pipes or water damage due to lack of heat, would you? Have you made arrangements for someone to pick up your mail/newspapers etc. and make periodic walk-through inspections inside and outside your unit? What about snow removal? If you live in a townhouse condo, you don't want to leave any signs of a vacant unit that could encourage a break-in. Allowing one of your neighbours to park their extra vehicle in your empty driveway helps give the impression of an occupied unit.

Have you ever changed the lock to your front door without providing a spare key to your management company/directors? Providing a key to the condominium corporation is mandatory under the terms of the Ontario Condominium Act. This is critical in regards to unforeseen emergencies. If the corporation does not have a key, they will have no other choice but to break down the door and charge the repairs back to you. Speaking of emergencies, is your condo insurance policy up to date in case of fire, theft or any other unpredictable incident during your absence?

While you are vacationing, condo meetings and events will continue as usual. Have you appointed someone to attend any condo meetings on your behalf whom you should provide a proxy for voting purposes? You wouldn't want new rules or bylaws to be passed without your input, would you?

Last but not least, are your monthly condominium fees paid up to date? Sounds like a silly question? Not so silly if you have not provided post-dated cheques and you are away for a long period of time. Not all condo corporations have an automatic withdrawal system set up with the bank regarding monthly fees. You could come back to discover a lien on your condo as well as legal costs because of late or outstanding maintenance fees.

The above are just a few tips to remember before you embark on that well-deserved cruise or whatever type of vacation. If you take the time to consult with your corporation prior to departing, you should have nothing but smooth sailing ahead. Bon Voyage and Good Luck!

Marilyn Lincoln is a condominium manager/volunteer director and author of "The Condominium Self Management Guide 2nd Ed." You can contact her at marilyncondoguide@hotmail.com.