by: Linda Pinizzotto, DStG – Dame Order of St George – Founder CEO COA – Condo Owners Association
It is common for Condo Owners to be angry with the Property Managers blaming them for not returning their phones calls and/or not resolving their problems. Property Managers ignore their requests for help; frustrations develop and Condo Owners become angry and hostile towards Property Management.
Condo Owners are barking up the wrong tree.
The Board of Directors are to blame because they have the power. The Board controls all of the operations of the building which includes contracts and all service related trades. They approve Property Management contracts and the Property Management company designates a Property Manager to the building to do as the Board says at all expense because they want to ensure their contracts. There is alot of money involved; many of these contracts can range from $120,000 to $300,000 depending on the size and amount of buildings involved. It is a very serious stake in the Condominium World but one that has created major controversy of responsibility because even though these Firms are paid by the Corporation they report to the Board and in most cases believe they represent the Board.
Be wary of getting into arguments with Property Management because once they report back to the Board of Directors; chances are you will have more even more problems. The Board instructs Property Management.
How do Condo Owners know if their Board is operating in compliance to the Condo Act? The $1 Million dollar question can be answered only if Condo Owners start taking responsibility and learn about Condos, watch their Boards and speak out if they feel things are wrong. Until then; Owners will suffer the consequences of disputes, theft, fraud and a serious problems with their Board of Directors.
