The vast majority of these rules are
reasonable; however, they do vary from condo to condo. They can be found in the
Condo Declaration, and it’s well worth your while to read them as part of your
home-hunting research. (While rules can be added or eliminated by the condo
board, owners are given a vote on important issues, and can demand meetings to
review other changes.)
Depending on your lifestyle, you may be
passionate or indifferent about any of the following issues, each of which is
often regulated by condo rules:
Smoking. Smoke-free condominiums are a relatively new development, but they
have indeed made their Ottawa debut. These condos ban smoking even in the
privacy of your own suite, so that the highest air quality is maintained.
Rentals. Some Ottawa condominiums have restrictions on short-term rentals
(that is, leases of less than a year). One condo complex recently made the news
for disallowing renters who don’t constitute a family. While sometimes
controversial, such rules are meant to ensure that all residents have a vested
interest in maintaining a well-kept building with a pleasant atmosphere.
Pets. Some condos ban all types of pets, while others embrace them. Some
place restrictions only on certain types of animals.
Barbeques. While Ottawa has no bylaws pertaining to natural gas-line barbeques
on balconies, some condos do restrict them due to safety concerns.
Parking.
Condos may restrict parking for commercial and/or
oversized vehicles.
Plug-ins
for electric cars. This issue caught my eye back in
January, when an Ottawa condo made headlines for deciding that a resident with
an electric car should pay for his own electricity, and for installation of a
meter. At the other end of the spectrum, some “green” condos provide plug-in
stations for this very purpose.
While rules and regulations may not be the
stuff your condo dreams are made of, I’m happy to report that there are Ottawa condo
rules to suit every demographic. Find the set that work for you, and – I
promise – you’ll love your home that much more.
Marnie Bennett
is a broker and the marketing director for Bennett Property Shop Realty, a full
premium service real estate brokerage specializing in marketing and selling new
and resale homes, condominiums and investment real estate. Marnie is the host
of the weekly radio show the Real Estate Hour, a millionaire real estate
investor and a wealth management coach. www.bennettpros.com