Ask different residents of condominiums what they think about condo association rules and you can expect different answers. Some enjoy the fact that everyone in the complex has to do things in a uniform fashion. Others may find it a bit overbearing. Whatever the case may be, condo association rules are here to stay and some rules are good, while others are downright ugly.

As a condo owner it is nice to know that certain things that need to be done by everyone in the complex to help maintain the allure of the property will get done. Simple things that often get overlooked by homeowners with no rules will get accomplished in a condo complex, if for no other reason but to avoid a possible fine or penalty. Mundane tasks, such as sweeping the front porch, are often tasks that will go undone if not enforced.

Another popular rule in condo living is no trucks parked outside in the parking lot. This may seem a little overboard but have you ever gone down the street in a local neighborhood and seen one of those land-yachts that are called RVs? If the condo association allowed trucks to park in the parking lot, it wouldn't be much longer before the RVs started showing up. The line has to be drawn somewhere.

Then there is the loud music. This is a rule that should be enforced everywhere in America. While the rules for the acceptable volume level of music will vary from condo to condo, it is typically a well accepted rule and welcomed by those that enjoy sleeping at night.

But on the opposite side of the spectrum some residents feel that they should not be told what color to paint their doors or how many potted plants they may have outside on their balconies. Many condo associations tend to get a little carried away when making the rules and can get even more ridiculous enforcing them. The worst enforcers of the rules though can be the people living right next door to you.

You may indeed luck out and find yourself living next door to easy going neighbors who could care less how tall that potted fichus tree is that sits on your porch. Then again you may also find yourself next to the nosey type commonly referred to as 'Condo Nazis.' Not only will the Condo Nazis care about how tall the fichus is, but they will be there with a tape measure every other day to make sure it is to specifications. Condo Nazis are the ones you see looking all over the place for any type of infraction there could possibly be. Of course you never know who you will be living next door to so really it is the luck of the draw.

The question to ask yourself is can you live with rules? If you are considering moving into a condo you may want to check the rules set forth by the condo association board before you move in. Examine them carefully and make sure you can live with them. Remember, the rules, whether good, bad or ugly, are enforced 24 hours a day, seven day a week, 365 days per year.

About the Author:

Paul J Coulter has an extensive background in real estate and understands the benefits of condo ownership. For listings of condos for sale in Toronto, visit Toronto Condos for more information.

Author: Paul J Coulter