Living in a house isn’t always easy, but living in a condominium isn’t necessarily better! After all, proximity between neighbors is reduced to a minimum, decisions must be made collectively, and cohabitation is often put to the test… Stay with us as we present the three most common issues—not according to our usual experts, but based on the experience of a board member of a condominium with over 300 units.

1. Absent co-owners
Although subletting for a period of less than twelve months is strictly prohibited in the condominium and subject to fines, the reality is quite different. Many co-owners violate this rule, resulting in constant turnover that is often disruptive to other residents. Despite repeated requests from the syndicate to be informed of any change in occupancy, this obligation is frequently neglected.

However, the syndicate represents the co-owners—not the tenants—and it is therefore the responsibility of the co-owners to ensure communication between their tenants and the administration. Since this responsibility is too often ignored, the syndicate is faced with numerous violations of the building’s rules, particularly regarding noise, smoke, and respect for common areas. In emergencies, it can even be impossible to reach the occupant.

This lack of collaboration is also reflected in the low level of participation in governance and collective decision-making, including difficulties in reaching quorum at the annual general meeting.

The syndicate has even faced a situation where police forcibly entered a tenant’s unit without providing any information before or after the intervention. Worse still, the syndicate had to pay for the door repairs itself, as the co-owner refused to assume responsibility on the grounds that they were not present at the time of the incident…

2. A clear shortage of parking spaces
In recent years, cost-cutting in construction has had a direct consequence: more and more condominiums are being designed with fewer parking spaces than units. In this particular case, there are approximately 250 parking spaces, including spots reserved for visitors and contractors.

As a result, parking management often resembles a game of musical chairs. Despite awareness efforts, reminders to new occupants, and the issuance of warnings or fines, problems persist. The syndicate must continually intervene when a co-owner or guest parks in the wrong space and attempt to defuse tensions when conflicts arise. It is far from a pleasant or simple situation to manage.

3. Parcels, parcels and more parcels!
The phenomenon of home deliveries, which already existed before, has increased significantly since the pandemic. Prepared meals, online purchases, groceries—packages of all sizes and types arrive nonstop. However, many of them end up sitting at the closed lobby doors when recipients are absent.

Although the syndicate has invested in secure parcel lockers, not all delivery drivers cooperate. This results in errors—some co-owners accidentally picking up the wrong package—or even outright theft. In all cases, it is the board members whom co-owners turn to in order to resolve these situations.

So, if you also feel that managing your condominium has become too complex, contact us. Our condominium specialists and partners are here to simplify the management of your syndicate and the maintenance of your building.