Posts by Shelly Criswell
Top Condo Board Tips to Fairly and Effectively Manage Maintenance Requests and Repairs
Your condo board is constantly receiving maintenance and repair requests from condo owners. If you need help prioritizing requests, use our pro property management tips to help ensure you are fair, cost-effective, and responsive. Prioritize Amongst Unit Requests A common mistake condo boards make is not prioritizing work based on urgency. Prioritization always puts safety…
Read More4 Frequently Overlooked Details When Managing Shared Amenities In Condos
Effective management of shared amenities can often focus too much on cleaning and maintenance. Here we look at four frequently overlooked details when managing shared condo amenities. 1.Visitor Parking Visitor parking is often difficult to monitor due to the location. However, a comprehensive management plan helps ensure use aligns with your condo parking bylaws. Visitor…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Role of the Condo Board in Enforcing Rules and Bylaws
Condo boards ensure all residents and board members comply with the Condo Act and the condo’s governing documents. But what happens when residents break the rules? Here we look at the role of the condo board in enforcing condo rules and bylaws. What is the Difference Between Rules and Bylaws? Condo rules “promote the safety…
Read MoreThe Importance of Insurance for Condominium Corporations
According to the Ontario Condo Act, condo corporations “shall cover the replacement cost of the property damaged by the perils to which the insurance applies. 1998, c. 19, s. 99 (7).” Here we look at condo corporation insurance, its’ importance, and how to keep your coverage up to par. Protect Your Condo Corporation’s Assets Condo…
Read MoreStrategies For Dealing With Difficult Condo Owners
As a condo board member, you are responsible for ensuring all owners are treated equally and fairly while adhering to your condo bylaws and the Condo Act. However, owners aren’t always easy to get along with, which means you could encounter unpleasant interactions. Here we share practical strategies for dealing with difficult condo owners. Improve…
Read MoreCondo Boards! Focus on these 3 Things to Create a Healthy Condo Budget for Your Corporation
Here we offer tips to help your condo board create an effective condo budget by focusing on 1) income, 2) expenses, and 3) your reserve fund. 1.Income Condo common element fees (CEF) are the source of revenue funding your budget. Follow these best practices to manage your income effectively: Introduce a CEF process Introduce a…
Read MoreUnderstanding Your 4 Most Important Condo Corporation Financial Statements
When your condo board receives your corporation’s financial statements, it helps to understand what reports provide the best insights into your financial health. Here are tips to understand the four most important condo corporation financial statements to help you manage assets, gain financial control, and become a more effective planner. 1.Aged Delinquency Report Keeping on…
Read MoreHow Your Board Can Ace Project Management with These Condo Renovation Strategies
Condo renovations can become nightmares when condo boards fail to manage the project effectively. However, your board can ace project management with these condo renovation strategies. Plan Out the Critical Steps Building restoration and renovations follow several steps, each with an approximate timeline: Assessment to determine what the project involves (Up to a month) Initial…
Read MoreSpecial Assessment vs. Condo Corporation Loans: Which is Really Best for Your Condo Board?
When your condo board requires immediate funds to cover an unexpected expense, you have two choices: 1) A special assessment or 2) A loan. Here we compare loans to special assessments to help you make the right decision for your condo community. Condo Corporation Loans Condo corporation loans are granted based on a “covenant” to…
Read MoreHow Well Does Your Condo Board Understand the New TSSA Elevator Oversight Protocols?
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) of Ontario’s new oversight regime shortens the repair time to fix high-risk elevator deficiencies. Use this helpful overview to ensure your condo board understands the new TSSA oversight protocols now under enforcement. Risk Standards The new “outcome-based” regulations are designed to reduce public safety threats posed by deficient…
Read More