by Denise Lash

Everywhere you turn it seems like a new condominium is being built. First-time homebuyers are opting for condominium living. Empty nesters also continue to sell their homes and move into condo units.

But how many of these purchasers think about the community they’re buying into? Usually it’s the price, location, and features that one considers when shopping for the perfect condo. But what about after construction? How will residents get along with one another? Does it really matter?

Sure it does. Just think of this scenario: Jane and Doug, young professionals, bought a luxurious two-bedroom unit at Yonge and St. Clair. Jane is pregnant. Doug just bought Jane a golden retriever puppy for her birthday.

You can see it now. The baby is born. The puppy wants attention. Lots of barking and crying ensue. The puppy isn’t fully trained yet and has a few accidents in the hallway and in the elevator. The neighbours, who haven’t even met Jane and Doug, complain to management. Letters are sent to the couple demanding that they remove the dog. Jane is in tears. It’s difficult enough having a baby and then dealing with angry neighbours and management and losing her puppy on top of that.

Now consider the alternative scenario. The building that Doug and Jane purchased in has an unusual management style. New residents get welcome packages from the board of directors and management. They have information telling them about the rules and how the building operates. The manager suggests a meeting with the board of directors before the next board meeting as a general introduction. Doug and Jane meet with management and the board, who notice that Jane is pregnant and has a puppy. The board notifies Doug and Jane of the specific rules and the common problems relating to pets. The board also tells them about the committee set up to handle pet issues. Jane volunteers on it.

Jane attends the committee meetings and learns about problems in the building with noisy pets, dangerous pets, and the messes they sometimes cause. She knows that if her dog is noisy there will be complaints. She and Doug have to make every effort to clean up after and give attention to their dog so that they’ll be able to keep their pet.

The initial welcome depends on the attitude and enthusiasm of the board, management, and residents.

You can see that providing this welcome and information can assist the board and management and perhaps even prevent those frustrating and unpleasant situations where residents are unaware of their responsibilities.

Residents need to become familiar with the community. They need to know what the rules are and why they need to follow them. Remember to be neighbourly and cultivate positive relationships.

Denise Lash is a condominium lawyer with Miller Thomson LLP and the host of the television program MondoCondo. Don’t miss the launch of MondoCondo beginning October 15 on Global, CH, and Prime. Watch Denise tackle every aspect of condo life. Check local listings or visit www.torontocondoshow.com for details.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information