What happens when water comes through the roof of a condo?

For example: water comes through the roof, intrudes into and damages upper condo unit #1, passes through and damages the common element walls and floors along the way, then ends up in, and damages, lower condo unit #2. Who is responsible for damage to the roof, condo unit #1, condo unit #2, and all the common elements in between?

Do you have the right to make changes to your condo?

So, while you have the right to make changes to your unit (whether good or bad), you won’t have quite as much free rein as you would in a house. You may not have the option of making changes to the plumbing or electrical by yourself, as most condo rules require the use of a qualified professional.

Where does a common element start in a condominium?

For example, if the declaration defines “common elements” as everything in the property “other than a unit”, which is a fairly typical definition, then where does the unit start and the common elements begin? If unit boundaries are the perimeter walls, floors and ceilings, does the wall start at the paint, drywall or studs?

When does the garbage chute open in a condo?

This is a hard-and-fast rule in most condos, but again, most people don’t care. Just because property management puts up a sign that says, “The garbage chute is open for service from 9am to 10pm,” doesn’t mean people are going to listen.

Who is the chair of a condo board?

Corporation bylaws invariably provide that directors’ meetings are to be chaired by the condominium president. The property manager is a guest at board meetings and has no authority to take part except as permitted by the chair.

Why are so many people breaking condo rules?

But whether or not you are a rule-breaker, you have to acknowledge and accept that dozens of your condominiums rules and by-laws are being broken, all day, every day, and even as we speak. Some people break the rules because they don’t know any better, and some people just plain don’t care.

So, while you have the right to make changes to your unit (whether good or bad), you won’t have quite as much free rein as you would in a house. You may not have the option of making changes to the plumbing or electrical by yourself, as most condo rules require the use of a qualified professional.