Condo Owners Frustrations 

    I want to thank all the readers who have sent me their comments and questions about their experiences living in both new and older condominiums.
I have received numerous letters and emails about issues with board members and property managers and the common thread throughout was the perception by those residents that property management and the board are not looking after the owners' interests.

Here are a few comments and questions posed by those condo residents:
   How do owners remove an unpopular and non-productive board member who has just started another three year term?
   What do you do when the board just doesn´t listen to a resident´s complaint or suggestion?  What do you do if the board just won´t respond?
What do you do when a director thinks she is entitled to "all kinds of extras" simply because she is a board member?  Those extras include special landscaping ($10,000 worth), alterations to the exterior and special maintenance to the interior of her unit.
What can an owner do if property management and the board just don't enforce the rules and permit owners to "litter" the hallways by placing items on door handles, on the door or in the hallway?
   I am being bamboozled by the property manager who manages the condominium.
           Of course, when owners feel the frustration of not getting their questions or concerns addressed, this often leads to the formation of "dissident groups", "underground newsletters" and disharmony among the condo community.  Eventually, the owners may decide to requisition a meeting and remove the board members.
         I have dealt with so many situations in which one owner's frustration turns into "condo upheaval" and the board of directors, management, owners and residents, spend an inordinate amount of time battling it out and spending the corporation´s funds on lawyers, management and consultants.
           It all comes back to those one or two owners, who felt that they just weren't being heard or understood.
            We all need to do a better job of communication and education and to understand that no matter which side of the fence you are on, it is clear that those on the other side see things very differently.  Let´s do our best to understand the viewpoints of others and start the communication process.  Board members: send those newsletters, hold those information meetings and do one-on-one communication if necessary.  Property managers: same holds true for you. Owners and residents, before criticizing or making allegations, take the time to understand what the obligations are as an owner and the board.  Review the declaration, by-laws and rules of your condominium corporation.  If necessary, take a look at the governing legisation and consult with a lawyer to get legal advice, then proceed to make a well reasoned and well-informed request to management and the board.