Condo Board Governance: What Owners Need to Know

Condo boards govern the corporation and make decisions that affect your home and investment. Understanding how they work helps you protect your interests.

Core Responsibilities

• Set the annual budget and condo fees
• Maintain the reserve fund
• Hire and oversee property management
• Enforce rules and bylaws
• Plan for major repairs and replacements
• Communicate with owners
• Hold annual general meetings (AGM)

Typical Positions

• President: Leads meetings, signs documents
• Vice-President: Supports the president
• Treasurer: Oversees finances
• Secretary: Records minutes
• Directors: Additional voting members

Election Process

• Nominated at the AGM
• Elected by unit owners (one vote per unit)
• Terms typically 1-3 years
• No professional experience required
• Can be removed by owner vote

Board Meetings

• Held monthly or quarterly
• Owners may attend (non-voting)
• Minutes available to all owners
• Decisions by majority vote

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

• Held once per year
• Board election
• Budget approval
• Major decisions requiring owner vote
• Review of financial statements

Special General Meetings

• Called for significant decisions
• Example: Major renovation approval
• Requires quorum (varies by bylaws)

Information Rights

• Access to financial statements
• Review meeting minutes
• Access to reserve fund studies
• Review insurance policies
• Request records (written request)

Voting Rights

• One vote per unit (unless bylaws differ)
• Can vote by proxy
• Can run for the board
• Can call special meetings (with sufficient support)

Dispute Resolution

• Ontario: Condo Authority Tribunal (CAT)
• BC: Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
• Alberta: Court system
• Quebec: Tribunal administratif du logement

1. Underfunded Reserve Fund

• Board not saving enough for future repairs
• Risk of special assessments
• Owners should advocate for adequate funding

2. Poor Communication

• Owners not informed of decisions
• Lack of transparency
• Request minutes and financial reports

3. Rule Enforcement

• Selective or inconsistent enforcement
• Owners should demand fairness
• Document all communications

4. High Fees or Special Assessments

• Understand the cause
• Review financial statements
• Question whether expenses are necessary

Attend Meetings

• AGM is mandatory for all owners
• Board meetings (if open to owners)
• Request to speak on agenda items

Join a Committee

• Many boards have committees:
  • Finance committee
  • Social committee
  • Landscaping committee
  • Review committee

Run for the Board

• Nominate yourself at the AGM
• No experience required
• Time commitment: 5-15 hours/month
• Liability protection via D&O insurance

Ontario

• Condominium Act, 1998
• Condo Authority of Ontario (CAO)
• Mandatory training for directors
• Standardized bylaws

British Columbia

• Strata Property Act
• BC Financial Services Authority
• Depreciation reports mandatory
• Form B mandatory disclosure

Alberta

• Condominium Property Act
• Less regulatory oversight
• Fewer mandatory disclosures

Condo boards significantly impact your living experience and property value. Stay informed, attend meetings, and consider getting involved. For financial analysis, use our Calculators. The AI Advisor can answer condo questions, and our Q&A Community has owner discussions.

This guide is for educational purposes only.