Introduction to Condominium Living
Your Unit and Common Elements
In a condo corporation, as an owner, you typically own your individual unit and collectively share in the ownership of and expenses for the common elements.
Unlike units, common elements may not be for the exclusive use of a particular unit owner. Common elements may include parking garages, elevators, lobbies, and much more. They may also include structural elements like the walls between the units, doors, plumbing and electrical work.
Exclusive Use Common Elements
Certain common elements may be for the exclusive use of a particular condo owner. These are called exclusive-use common elements. An example of an exclusive-use common element may be the balcony of a unit. Although a condo owner might think of a balcony as part of their unit, it could be an exclusive-use common element.
Every condo corporation is unique in the breakdown between units and common elements. If you are unsure about what constitutes a common element in your condo corporation, you can refer to your condo declaration.
Rights and Obligations of Owners
Condo owners in Ontario have rights and obligations that you should be aware of before purchasing a unit:
Rights
- Attending and voting at owners’ meetings;
- Seeking election to the condo board, if qualified under the Condo Act;
- Reviewing certain records of the condo corporation, such as certain financial statements and meeting minutes;
- Requisitioning an owners’ meeting in certain circumstances;
- Using the common elements and amenities of the condo corporation in accordance with the Condo Act and the condo corporation’s declaration, by-laws, and rules; and
- Requesting that an item be added to an owners’ meeting agenda.
Obligations
- Complying with the Condo Act and the condo corporation’s declaration, by-laws, and rules;
- Repairing and maintaining your unit in accordance with and subject to the Condo Act and the condo corporation’s declaration and by-laws;
- Paying your common expense fees on time;
- Notifying the condo corporation if your unit is leased; and
- Attending and voting at certain meetings.
- Introduction to Condominium Living
- Condominium Governance
- Condominium Corporation Governing Documents
- Condominium Finances
- Living in Units and Using Common Elements
- Condominium Management
- Raising Issues with your Condominium Board
- The Condominium Authority of Ontario
- Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario
- Compliance and Enforcement Mechanisms
Source: Ontario’s Residential Condominium Buyers’ Guide
