Condominium complexes are big business these days. They are the most popular design for new homes going up from Halifax to Victoria and with that much business needs to come some new laws. Condo bylaws will tell homeowners whether they're allowed to put up posters in the halls or what rules they need to follow when doing renovations on their unit. Here is some information on condo bylaws and where you should go if you have any questions on the subject.
The main purpose of condominium bylaws is to outline the responsibilities of the owner's association. Your condo will have a board of directors and a committee of homeowners that will make all of the appropriate decisions within the building. This will be on matters like hiring a superintendent for the building or deciding to raise the HOAs for the building to account for a new swimming pool or entertainment room. The bylaws also outline the obligations of each homeowner in maintaining their own unit and all of the common areas.
Condominiums in Canada are governed under the Condominium Act of 1998. In this act everything from property insurance to maintenance is covered. The bylaws used by your individual condo must follow this 183-article act. If you are concerned that the condo corporation that owns your building is not following these guidelines, there is a copy of the Condominium Act available for view online.
If you were looking for more detailed information on your condominium's bylaws, it would be a good idea to contact a condominium lawyer. There is a variety of professionals that now specialize in condominium law in many of Canada's larger cities. They both represent condo developers who's business if focused on condo sales and the individual homeowners who occupy the units. If many people within your building have the same issues with the building's parent company and you're thinking of filing a class action suit, going with a condominium lawyer will likely be your best bet.
If you've got one question that it not too serious about your condo's bylaws then you can ask a member of the condo association within your building. There is likely a copy of the bylaws written out somewhere. Members of the condo board or association should know where you can access this information.
Before you buy a new condo, you should ask to see a copy of the building's bylaws. If you're concerned that anything is not legal in the document you could take them to be looked over by a law professional before choosing to buy that unit.
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