Who Makes up the Board of Directors?
The board of directors is generally elected by, and made up of, individual condominium owners.
Their number, qualifications, election, term in office, pay (if any), removal from the board and other related matters are outlined in provincial or territorial legislation and/or the condominium bylaws.
The board of directors meets regularly to handle the business affairs of the condominium corporation, including policy and finances, and makes decisions about the upkeep and repair of the common property.
How are Voting Rights Determined?
The board of directors makes many decisions for the condominium but certain decisions must be made by unit owners.
Each unit owner has voting rights at meetings.
Your voting rights will be determined by:
- the condominium legislation in your province or territory; and/or
- your condominium’s governing documents (such as its declaration and/or bylaws); and
- your financial standing with the condominium corporation. If you’re in arrears with your contributions, you risk losing your voting rights.
Some condominiums assign one vote per unit. Others weight the vote based on ownership of the common elements.
This ownership interest is often called a “unit factor,” “proportionate share” or “percentage of ownership.”
The unit factor for any particular unit will generally be calculated in proportion to the unit’s value in relation to the total value of all of the units in the condominium corporation.
For example, a tenth-floor, three-bedroom corner suite with a rooftop garden will typically have a greater unit factor than a two-bedroom basement unit.
Your unit factor is also used in calculating the monthly fees you must pay toward the upkeep and renewal of the common elements.
Must I Attend Meetings and/or Serve on Committees?
You may have to, depending on what your condominium’s rules or other governing documents require.
Whether it’s compulsory or not, you have a responsibility to yourself and to other owners to become involved in your condominium community.
Meetings are a forum for owners to discuss the running of the condominium and to vote on changes to the common property, bylaws and other matters. For a vote to take place, there must often be a minimum percentage of owners present (called a “quorum”), so everyone has a responsibility to attend.
What’s the Difference Between Condominium Bylaws and Rules?
A condominium’s bylaws govern how the condominium corporation is run.
They often address matters such as the election and practices of the board of directors, the collection of common expense contributions and how rules are passed.
Rules focus on day-to-day concerns of condominium living and vary from condo to condo.
They may be very strict or very relaxed depending on the nature of the corporation, but they help ensure that the condominium is a safe, pleasant and attractive place to live.
Rules also spell out what your rights and obligations are as an individual owner.
Rules frequently cover:
- the maximum number of occupants per unit;
- pets;
- noise;
- parking;
- when you may use certain amenities, such as the pool or exercise room; and
- the appearance and/or alteration of the unit space.
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