Tag Archives: property management

Where is Accountability?

Where is the Accountability?
With more than one million condo owners in Ontario, one would assume that something as important as the Condo Act would be taken a bit more seriously by the Government. With so many individual’s having personal and financial stakes in the review of the Condo Act, where are those who speak for the little guy, the condo owner?
The current Ontario Liberal government has put into a place a review process that is not only lacking on information but also lacking on proper feedback outlets. In the current technological standard that we hold in Ontario, it is inexcus able for the Government to have such a low sample size. From over one million condo owners, the Government has chosen to place only 10,000 individual into a lottery. From that lottery, ONLY 36 individuals will be chosen to participate in focus groups. Out of a possible one million condo owners, does that sample really match the numbers? Does that sound like proper representation?
A greater outreach is needed to be put in place. Outside of the focus groups, the Government should have online options for feed back. Online forums, online surveys and information pages need to be put in place and promote to push condo owners for input. Talking to a group of such small size in this day and age does not make sense. Condo owners not only need politicians who understand their needs but also someone who is brave enough to stand up for their rights.

People in Ontario need to wake up to what is going on. The review of the Condo Act does not only affect Condo owner, Condo Dwellers and Developers, but also store owners, restaurant owners and other small business that make up the areas around Condos. Rather than making it a hunt for votes and one upping other political parties, what Condo Owners really need is a party who will look out for them. Accountability is hard to find, we just need to vote in politicians who do not run away from it.

Bad Property Management or Bad Board of Directors??

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 afterall it is the Board who is instructing Property Management to ignore your requests.    If you have a good Board – it would never get this far.

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.