How to Be a Good Condo Board Member?
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Contents
How to Be a Good Condo Board Member: Best Practices
Serving as a member on the board of directors for a condominium is a position of great responsibility. Board members play a crucial role in safeguarding and enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the condominium community.
Recognizing the significance of Condo Board, we have developed a guide that provides tips and best practices to support individuals in excelling in their position. Whether you are new to this role or seeking to enhance your effectiveness, this guide is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and strategies to fulfill your responsibilities and contribute to the overall well-being of your condominium community.
Qualities of a Good Condo Board Member
Becoming a good condo board member goes beyond technical knowledge and regulations. It requires developing essential soft skills and actively contributing to the community’s success. Board members should prioritize their commitment to the condominium community, adhere to the Condominium Act of 1998, its recent updates, rules, and by-laws, and always remain accountable to the owners. It is crucial to maintain inclusivity and avoid exclusivity within the board, ensuring accountability and fostering respect for others and property. Boards must uphold dignity, promote respect for others and property, and cultivate a courteous atmosphere within the condominium building.
Here are some qualities and practices that contribute to the success of a condo board member:
Leadership
Good condo directors demonstrate approachability, accessibility, and compassion while continuously learning and staying updated on relevant laws and technologies. By understanding the big picture, they can make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.
Open-Mindedness
Good condo board members should foster a non-judgmental and inclusive environment, valuing diverse perspectives. Being receptive to new ideas and feedback promotes collaboration and innovation within the community.
Emotional Intelligence
Possessing emotional intelligence allows board members to connect with residents on a deeper level. They should be thick-skinned, enforcing rules and regulations consistently, while also demonstrating empathy and understanding towards residents’ concerns.
Communication and Mediation
Effective communication and mediation are essential for successful condo governance. Good condo board members should actively listen, show empathy, and exercise patience when interacting with residents. They should handle conflicts objectively, without taking things personally, and focus on resolving issues for the overall benefit of the community. Effective board members act as mediators during conflicts, maintaining a stable, low-maintenance profile.
Responsibilities of a Condo Board Member
The board of directors are instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation and success of a condominium community. Serving as a board member is a role that comes with a set of responsibilities and requires education, dedication, knowledge, and adherence to legal requirements.
Time Management & Availability
Board members must be prepared to invest sufficient time and energy into their role. Being available to address resident concerns, disruptions, and emergencies is crucial to keeping the community running smoothly.
Manage the Finances
Directors, alongside the property manager oversee the budget, identify any misuse of funds, and establish financial goals. This includes creating an annual operating budget, monitoring financial progress, and allocating reserves for emergency expenses and larger improvement projects. Collaboration with the property manager helps ensure timely collection of dues, fees, and payments, fostering a healthy and financially stable community.
Willingness to Learn/ Mandatory Training
The government has mandated that all directors complete mandatory training provided by the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO). The training must be undertaken within six months of being appointed, elected, or re-elected, and once every seven years thereafter.
Failure to complete the training within the designated timeframe will result in the director’s prompt and automatic disqualification and the cessation of the position.
It is also important to note that the CAO does not have the authority to grant any extensions to the six-month deadline, regardless of the circumstances.
A high level of commitment to learning is essential for board members. Understanding restrictions, bylaws, and legal frameworks ensures informed decision-making.
Consistent Rule Enforcement
Regardless of whether a management company is involved, board members must ensure that the rules and regulations are upheld. It is important to avoid favoritism and maintain authority by enforcing the rules for all residents.
Monitor Building Maintenance
While condo owners are responsible for internal unit repairs, the board, in collaboration with the property manager, oversees the maintenance of common areas and amenities. Coordinating repairs, soliciting bids, and prioritizing projects are necessary tasks.
By exemplifying and upholding the above traits and responsibilities, you can effectively fulfill your duties and contribute to the overall well-being of your condominium community.
Effective Board Member Practices
Effective board member practices encompass a range of key responsibilities and behaviors that contribute to efficient governance and the overall well-being of residents.
Open and transparent communication
Good condo board members should actively engage with residents, listen attentively to their concerns, and provide timely updates on important matters. By keeping lines of communication clear and consistent, trust is built, and residents feel valued and informed. Additionally, practicing active listening and empathy helps board members understand the diverse perspectives and needs of the community, leading to well-informed decisions that benefit everyone.
Strategic planning and long-term vision
By setting goals and envisioning the future of the community, board members can guide the association towards growth and improvement. This involves considering sustainable practices, planning for maintenance and upgrades, and addressing the evolving needs of residents.
Collaboration and consensus building
Successful board members understand the importance of collaboration and consensus building. They work closely with fellow board members, property management, and residents to create a cooperative environment where everyone’s input is valued. Being skilled at building consensus enables board members to move agendas forward and accomplish strategic goals for the community’s benefit.
Building Strong Relationships
As a board member, building strong relationships is a fundamental aspect of being an effective contributor to the condominium community. Cultivating positive relationships with fellow board members, property management, and residents lays the foundation for successful collaboration and decision-making.
Maintaining constructive relationships with property management helps streamline operations, ensuring that the community’s needs are met efficiently. Regular meetings, clear communication channels, and respectful collaboration contribute to a conflict free working relationship.
Another vital aspect of building strong relationships as a board member is developing rapport with fellow board members. Embrace the spirit of teamwork, respect diverse opinions, and encourage open dialogue during board meetings.
By fostering an environment where every board member feels valued and heard, the collective wisdom and expertise of the team can be harnessed. Effective decision-making and problem-solving arise from collaborative efforts, leading to solutions that benefit the entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main benefits of being a member of a condominium board?
Being a condo board member offers numerous benefits for both personal growth and community well-being. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to influence and make important decisions that shape the direction of the community. By actively participating in decision-making processes, such as maintenance and rule enforcement, board members can contribute to the improvement of the property and maintain or increase its value.
Secondly, serving on a condo board allows for personal development and skill enhancement. Board members can cultivate leadership abilities, develop effective communication and collaboration skills, and gain valuable experience in governance and decision-making. These skills are not only beneficial within the context of the board but also applicable in various other areas of life.
Being on the board also provides an opportunity to learn first hand from professionals on how to manage financials, obtain technical knowledge, and manage the corporation as a business. Professional networking and being able to give back to the community are also benefits of serving on the board.
- What are the main cons of being a member of a condominium board?
While serving as a board member of a condominium board brings many advantages, there are also some challenges to consider. One potential drawback is the time commitment required. Being a board member often involves attending meetings, addressing resident concerns, and participating in decision-making processes. This can be time-consuming and may require balancing board responsibilities with personal and professional obligations.
Another potential con is the potential for conflicts and disagreements among board members and residents. As a board member, you may encounter differing opinions, conflicting interests, and challenging situations that require diplomacy and problem-solving skills. Resolving disputes and finding consensus can sometimes be a complex and delicate task. However, by maintaining open communication, fostering a respectful environment, and practicing good leadership, these challenges can be effectively managed, leading to a positive and successful condominium board experience.
- Do Directors get compensated?
Typically, directors do not receive payment as their role is voluntary. In order for a board member to receive remuneration, a by-law must be established and approved at a meeting by a majority of unit owners in the condominium. This by-law is only valid for three years and must specify the compensation amount to prevent any potential misuse. It's important to note that a significant portion of the benefits derived from serving as a board member are innate. In other words, the motivation stems from the personal satisfaction of making a positive impact on the community.
- How can we make sure that only people who own the units in our condo are elected?
To ensure that only condo unit owners are elected as board members, certain steps can be taken. Firstly, establish clear eligibility criteria in the condo corporatio’s by-laws that explicitly state that only unit owners can run for board positions.
This criterion can be further reinforced by implementing a verification process that requires official documents to confirm ownership status.
In addition to ownership requirements, it is advisable to pass a by-law that outlines the qualifications for directors, such as specific education or experience criteria. This helps ensure that board members possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively fulfill their roles
It is worth noting that, typically, the corporation's documents and by-laws do not explicitly address the election of directors. However, taking the initiative to pass a by-law that establishes qualifications, including the requirement for directors to be unit owners, can help ensure a fair and suitable board composition.
