In previous posts, we’ve looked at strata councils and property managers and those occasional ‘nightmare’ owners. But what about owners who just want to be happy and enjoy their homes in peace and quiet? Is that a realistic desire or even attainable when you live in a communal living situation? Should it be?
Deciding to live in a strata complex is not always a simple decision because you really must take into account what that will mean to you personally. Yes, you will have rights of property ownership but you will also have obligations associated with being part of this communal living situation.
No, I’m not talking about those hippie communes usually associated with the 1960s and 70s (and sometimes the 80s and 90s) but the strength of a strata corporation really does depend on the ability of the owners to get along and to make decisions that avoid causing harm whenever possible to the more vulnerable in the community.
Strata corporations are legal creatures with their own rules; rules that people who own houses do not have to deal with. Some people who buy condos, a.k.a. strata units, do not bother to look at or really consider the differences between living in a strata and living in a house.
To avoid disappointment, frustration and unnecessary cost, you should review the by-laws and rules of the strata corporation, and the previous two years’ minutes of meetings, before you buy. They are the best way to find out whether the strata you’re looking at is going to be a great place to live or not.
There is also a lot of information on the internet about stratas and strata living and, if you’ve never lived in an apartment building or a strata complex before, you should educate yourself so that if bad things happen at your new condo home, you will be prepared for it – or at least not surprised by it.
Remember that this is your home but it is the strata council that makes a lot of decisions that can affect the owners’ day to day enjoyment and use of their property.
Be an owner who is involved in what is going on at your strata corporation. Run for council; serve on committees; or, at the very least, educate yourself and ask questions. If you do sit on council, keep in mind that these are people’s homes and everyone’s rights and interests should be respected to the greatest extent possible. Keeping the right perspective at all times is crucial to having a strata where people want to live.
If you have any questions about strata rules and regulations, or your rights and obligations, we can help. Contact us any time.