Many condominium corporations still have in place the developer’s standard rules.
Developer rules tend to be “one-size-fits-all”, and who knows how long ago they were originally drafted. Times change – some rules may no longer be needed, while others should be amended or added to. Consider the following which are commonly found in developer rules:
1. “No mops, brooms, dusters, rags or bedding shall be shaken from any window or door.” Does anyone ever do this any more? Isn’t this a household chore that disappeared with the proliferation of automatic washing machines and vacuum cleaners?
2. “Water shall not be left running unless in actual use.” Does anyone intentionally leave the water running when not being used?
3. “No auction sales shall be conducted in any unit.” With the popularity of e-bay, craigslist and other on-line selling sites, how likely is it that a resident would be conducting a sales auction from a residential unit?
4. “Smoking is prohibited in all elevators.” Isn’t this redundant in view of the fact that smoking in elevators is prohibited by law?
5. “Firecrackers or other fireworks are not permitted in any unit or in the common elements.” The prohibition of fireworks in the common elements is understandable, but what prompted the prohibition in the units?
6. “No duplication of keys shall be permitted except with the authorization of the Board.” With so many condominiums utilizing fobs and access cards, this rule does not reflect the times.
The board of directors of the Corporation should be reviewing its rules on a periodic basis to ensure that it has in place the rules it needs to adequately address the concerns of its residents. Rules need to be tailored to each condominium corporation due to the uniqueness of the community, the physical structure and the location of the condominium.
In a future blog entry, we will talk about some rules that corporations should consider adding.
