Navigating Condo Living in Calgary: A Beginner’s Guide

May 8, 2024

Learn the difference between property management and condo management, and which issues are best directed to your condo board.

Cary Jones

Welcome to the exciting world of condo living in Calgary! Whether you’re moving into a sleek apartment building or a cozy townhome complex, understanding the role of your condo board is crucial for a smooth transition.

Registering with the Condo Board

First things first, when you move into a condo, you need to make your presence known to the condo board. Why, you ask? The condo board is responsible for managing all the common areas that you’ll soon be enjoying. These can include everything from parking and storage units to the elevators and lobbies.

What Does the Condo Board Manage?

Common areas are just the tip of the iceberg. In many buildings, the condo board also manages essential services like heat, water, and even electricity. This is because these services are provided at a building-wide level, making it efficient and necessary for the board to handle their administration. This central management helps ensure that all residents have consistent access to these critical amenities.

Any utilities managed by your condo board are listed in your lease agreement.

Key Forms You Need to Fill Out

To get fully settled, you’ll generally need to fill out several important forms:

  • Tenant Undertaking Form: This form officially notifies the condo board of your residency.
  • Vehicle Registration: If you have a car, this is a must to ensure you have somewhere to park.
  • Intercom Setup: To get your name on the building intercom system.
  • Elevator or Moving Forms: Essential for booking the elevator when moving in.

Documents may vary by condo board. Filling out these forms not only helps you avoid potential hiccups during your move but also keeps you informed about important occurrences, like fire alarm testing.

Understanding Condo Bylaws

Living in a condo also means adhering to specific rules and regulations, commonly referred to as bylaws. These bylaws help maintain harmony and organization within the community. They can cover everything from noise levels to parking and the use of common areas. Ignoring these bylaws can lead to fines, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them. A copy of your condo by-laws should be provided during your tenant onboarding.

Need More Information?

If you’re ever unsure about what’s covered under your condo board’s management or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. It’s always better to ask and be sure than to make assumptions, especially when it comes to condo living.

And that’s it - welcome to your new home in Calgary’s vibrant condo community!

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