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As a condominium or HOA board member, how do you deal with contentious issues? This article discusses five steps to take to foster a spirit of cooperation among board members and diffuse difficult situations.

Pet owners love their pets, but not everyone else feels the same. When people live in multi-family communities it is imperative to create a balance for all residents, whether they have furry companions or they don't. How can this be achieved? A good start is clear bylaws and pet policies that consider the needs of all.

For a condominium corporation, great communication relies on an open exchange of information, thoughts and ideas among residents, board members and your property management company. When communication is done well, you can get the answers you need, tackle challenges and strengthen community spirit.

Is good communication important to your property management company? Use this questionaire to find out.

The term “conflict of interest” is often used when discussing board member activities, but it is one that is not always understood. Having a clear definition of what is and what is not a conflict of interest is critical to a board as it carries out its duties on behalf of the rest of the owners.

Reserve Fund Studies are based on the assumption that components will reach their maximum useful life. However, if a preventative maintenance plan doesn’t accompany your reserve study, it’s highly unlikely some components will ever reach their maximum useful life.

We can all agree there are many important elements to a housing structure, but your roof is probably the most important. Changing temperatures, snow accumulation, large amounts of rain, ice dams and high winds can all cause major damage to condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. These harsh weather conditions can create all sorts of problems, from minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost a condominium corporation thousands to repair.

As Canadians anticipate spending the winter months knee-deep in snow and freezing temperatures, it’s likely that some residents in your condominium corporation community are anticipating spending some of their winter in a warmer climate.

Some condominium boards choose to self-manage which greatly increases the workload of the board. Choosing to hire a professional condominium management company is often the best decision a board can make for themselves and the community. Here is what you should know about professional condominium management.

When renting your condominium, both owner and tenant have responsibilities under the Condominium Property Act of Alberta (CPA). These are in addition to rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants covered in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

Sometimes confusion exists over what expenses the operating budget covers and those that are reserve fund responsibilities. If board members understand the difference between the two, it's much easier for them to make the correct decisions when managing the affairs of the condominium corporation.

There are so many things to enjoy about living in a condominium community. Among them are the sense of community, the great amenities and the high standards. However, if your condo corporation’s finances aren’t stable, none of it is possible.

Each condominium corporation in Alberta is required by law to elect a board of directors to manage the corporation on behalf of all the owners. This article gives more detail about the election process and the role of the board.

Recent research has revealed seven service standards that are important to condominium and HOA Board members when they evaluate property managers. How does your manager stack up?

Proper condominium management depends upon the annual budget for both short- and long-term financial planning. It’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure the success of the community and protect the investment of the owners.

Short term vacation rentals are popular with both travelers and the homeowners that rent to them. Perhaps you have stayed in a home that was advertised on Airbnb or VRBO. Maybe you have rented your home this way. For the most part people love this alternative to staying in a hotel or a B & B. But what are the implications when the home is part of a multi-family community? What about the common areas and amenities for which all the owners pay upkeep? There can be insurance implications as well. This article discusses some ways the risks to the condominium and its residents can be reduced.

Some owners are reluctant to volunteer to be a condominium board member because they’ve never done it before. That’s why we developed these six essential tips for new board members to help them get up-to-speed quickly. If you consider these points as you get down to condo business, you will be successful in your new role ─ one in which you really can make a difference.

A good budget provides the framework for the successful operation of a condominium corporation. Sometimes condo board members are daunted by this important undertaking. We have broken the task down into manageable steps to help you create a financial plan that will accomplish your goals.

Life in a multi-family community is much more pleasant when residents and leaders each understand their individual rights and responsibilities. As in all aspects of life, respect for each other and adherence to the rules are key components to successful community relations.

Are Residents in Your Condo Corporation Getting the Message? Does your board know the secrets of effectively communicating with residents?

The board of a condominium corporation has many roles and responsibilities. This article highlights the importance of the duties the treasurer must fulfill on a volunteer condo board.

As a board member of your condominium corporation you have many responsibilities. Within your role time management and organization are two vital aspects in the life of a board member, but what about communication? Let us offer you some tips on ways to best communicate as you fulfill your duties.

As a board member for your condominium corporation, you know that your community depends on volunteers to operate successfully. However, finding residents who are willing to be on your board of directors, join a committee or help at an event can be challenging.

A strong, healthy corporation requires every facet of property management to work in sync toward one common goal...true financial stability.