All A-Board
Joining condo's decision making body a complex move
- by
Rizalyn Reye
While condo dwelling can come with its share of rules and regulations, joining the board is one way to stay on top of new developments in your building and how your condo contributions are being spent.
A condominium board of directors is made up of three to seven members who are elected annually to oversee how a property is managed and its funds doled out, on behalf of the building or complex owners. This body may also work in conjunction with a management company, depending on the size of the property and number of owners.
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Luba Fillipoff, condo support coordinator for the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), says while every condominium board is different in terms of workload, being serious about putting the time expected of you is imperative if you’re looking at getting involved.
“Time is the big thing — you have to spend a certain amount of time volunteering to do the job — and attending all the board meetings, usually once a month, is important,” says Fillipoff, adding the more directors, the lighter the load for each member.
Duties also vary, but are often not limited to money matters. Disputes between residents, maintenance in and outside of the building and, from time to time, breaches of bylaws may be brought before the board to consider.
“If there is some breach in the bylaws you have to follow through, but it depends on the complexity, and whether there is also a management company if it’s up to them to solve it,” says Fillipoff.
One benefit to becoming part of your own building’s board is not have to rely on getting word of new rules on Christmas lights or a hike in condo fees from your neighbour across the hall.
“One of the benefits is you are aware almost immediately aware of the issues in your condo community — you don’t have to wait for meeting minutes to know what’s going on,” says Fillipoff.
Robert Andrews, managing consultant at Sage Condominium Consulting Corp., who helps train new boards and offers support to boards in distress, says conflict is a natural part of sitting on any committee, and condominium boards are no exception.
“There are many boards that run things very well, but there is work to be done. If everything ran smoothly all the time, there would be no reason to have a condo board,” he says.
While the business of running a condo is just that — business — issues that arise between residents, especially when money is involved can occasionally hit board members, who are also owners, where they live.
“It can get very personal, because the board is in charge of the rules of the condominium. These people are given the responsibility of managing and administering the corporation and its bylaws, and are really like another form of government that can even cause a foreclosure if someone is not paying,” says Andrews.
While no special training or management experience is required, Andrews, who sits on a board in his own condo community, admits a little business acumen can go a long way in running any board of directors smoothly. He also advises anyone considering getting involved in his or her own condo’s functioning and deliberations do so with an open and objective mind.
“If you are really interested in the community and you don’t have a personal agenda I would recommend joining,” he says. “For the most part, people are appreciative of the efforts, and a good board can make all the difference between an OK condo and a great community.”
But he cautions not to expect an easy ride of it. “You’ve got to expect conflict. If you don’t want that, then maybe being on the board isn’t for you.”
Sitting on the board is just one way – and often a time-consuming one – to stay abreast of a condo’s happenings and know where your money is going. The experts urge all condo owners to feel free and address any concerns they might have to their condo board members at any time, to keep the lines of communication open and to prevent potential disputes from brewing down the road.
“You’re part owner of the structure, of the common property, and it’s a good idea to know what’s going on with it. It’s always a good idea to get involved,” says Fillipoff.
For more hints and tips about buying and owning a condominium in Calgary, watch Shaw TVís Condo Living with Barb Mitchell, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
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