Condo BoardAll condominiums have a board of directors or strata council, as it is called in jurisdictions like British Columbia, that manage the affairs of the condominium corporation. There is often confusion about who these bodies actually serve: individual owners, or the condo corporation.

Represent Owners, Not the Corporation

Perhaps the most important idea is that these bodies exist to represent the owners, not the corporation, not the property manager or property management company, and not the individual members of the board. Allegiance and responsibility is to the condo, the act or governing legislation, the rules and the bylaws. Protecting and pursuing the interests of the owners, collectively, is the main purpose.

Address Residents’ Legitimate Complaints

All legitimate complaints and concerns brought to the board/council need to be addressed. It is the job of the board/council to take action when something has gone awry, within the boundaries of the bylaws, rules and governing legislation.

Be Accessible and Responsive

It’s surprising how often property managers are reportedly refusing to help owners and other interested parties reach members of the condo board or strata council. It is the responsibility of the council to be accessible to every owner in the condominium, regardless of the mood of the manager. Ensure this expectation is clear, and ensure there is a process in place to handle the inquiries that come in. With respect to outside organizations that wish to contact the board, such as companies that supply materials or services to condo corporations, clear expectations are essential around when it’s okay for the property manager to block that access and when the board wants to be informed.

Enforce all Rules Equally and Equitably

It’s important not to pick and choose which rules or regulations you choose to enforce. Whether one owner complains or a dozen, the board’s response must be fair. Also, it is considered very bad form for council members to be seen as “exempt” from certain rules and bylaws when other owners are held to account over the same rule.

Empower Your Property Manager

Your property management company and property manager should be appropriately empowered to manage all operational issues effectively and responsibly. If you’re getting calls in the middle of the night, first look to the expectations you’ve set, and if that seems to be clear, then take a look at whether your PM is up to the job.

Communicate Regularly

Distribute important information like meeting minutes, status and progress reports on matters of substance on a regular and timely basis. Basic information such as who is on the council and how owners can reach them should be posted and visible in common areas. Ensure financial statements are shared appropriately, as required by law and as outlined in your rules and bylaws.

The Standard Stuff

Condo boards and strata councils are of course responsible for:

The best way to make sure owner interests are represented? Get involved. Are you willing to roll up your sleeves and sit at the council/board table?