Welcome to Condo’s Corner

by Daulton Read, OLCM

Issue #007

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condos Corner. Speaking from my perspective as a Condo Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

What’s Happening This Week?

Crafting the ideal welcome package for new owners

Resident starts communal herb garden

Send those questions in!

Manager’s Memo: Crafting the Ultimate Welcome Package for New Residents

One thing that has always impressed me is when a condo corporation has a professional welcome package. Think of it as the perfect toolkit to help newcomers settle in, understand the rules, and feel at home faster than you can say, “Welcome to the community!” On the flip side, it’s not a good look when you move into a beautiful community, and you receive a poorly put-together welcome package.

What is a Condo Welcome Package?

A welcome package is your new residents’ first taste of condo life, and it is important to remember that for some new owners, this may be their first condo experience. It’s packed with all the essentials they need to avoid future misunderstandings and know exactly what’s what. From answering common questions to laying down the law (literally), it’s all about smooth sailing from day one.

Your Welcome Message

Kick things off with a warm message. Explain how your board maintains a safe and pleasant environment, and provide key contact info (if applicable) for:

– Management

– Superintendent

– General inquiries

– Complaints

– Renovation requests

– Parking requests

– Events

This makes their early days hassle-free and sets a friendly tone.

Relevant Governing Documents

Introduce your condo board and property management team with a brief rundown of who does what. Include all governing documents like:

– Articles of incorporation

– Declaration, bylaws, and rules

– Covenants, conditions, and restrictions

Even though this info is shared during the purchase, having it handy in the welcome package makes it easy to refer back to.

Standard Forms in the Welcome Package

To keep things comprehensive, include all necessary forms with instructions on where and when to submit them. Explain why this information is needed and where to update it if things change.

Maintenance Fee Overview

Transparency is key. Break down where common expense fees go, reiterate due dates, and explain acceptable payment methods. New owners will appreciate knowing exactly how their money is spent.

Leasing of Units in the Condo Welcome Package

For those looking to rent out their units, include clear instructions on what’s required, including bylaws on short-term rentals. Ensure they know forms must be submitted at least 30 days before a lease signing, and management must have the lease agreements sent to them.

Highlight Important Sections

Summarize key sections and FAQs, such as:

– Visitor parking

– Amenity hours/use

– Quiet enjoyment rules

– Garbage rules (recycling, dump bins, incinerator use)

– Exterior unit appearance (consistent window treatments)

– Fire safety

– Intercom setup and security information

Tailor these highlights to your specific condo community. For example, include vacation best practices like cancelling newspapers and turning off taps.

A well-crafted welcome package not only sets a positive tone but also makes life easier for your condo board and property management team. New residents will feel appreciated, informed, and ready to become part of the community.

So, there you have it, Condo Crew! Craft that perfect welcome package and watch your new residents prosper.

The Neighbour’s Nook: Resident Stories

This week, we’re spotlighting Jenny T., a new resident at a vacant land condominium corporation in St. Catharines. Jenny moved into her beautiful three-bedroom unit just four months ago and has already become an integral part of their community.

Jenny, a gardening enthusiast by night, has been making waves with her innovative approach to community gardening. She noticed that the common garden area was underutilized and pitched the idea of a community herb garden to the condo board.

The board loved the idea and quickly approved it. With the help of a few neighbours, Jenny transformed a small section of the common garden into a lush herb haven featuring basil, mint, rosemary, and more.

The herb garden has not only beautified their common area but has also brought residents together. “It’s wonderful to see people picking fresh herbs for their dinners and chatting about recipes,” Jenny adds. “It’s a small change that has made a big difference in how we interact.”

For those who may ask, what happens if she moves? The Board has decided that if another owner can not commit to maintaining it, it will be returned to its previous state.

Jenny’s initiative is a perfect example of how individual contributions can enhance condo living. Her project has inspired others to get involved, with plans for a flower garden and even a small vegetable patch in the works.

Do you have a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don’t be shy—share them with me! Whether it’s a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we’re all ears. Respond to this email so we can keep the content coming.

Make sure to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and, more importantly – that neighbour who could learn a few things!