Outsmarting The Smart For Peaceful Living In Condos?
Feb 25th, 2008 by Courtney
One mistake people make when moving into a condominium is thinking because they own the unit, they can do whatever they want. The truth is that each condominium association has certain rules concerning things that you can do, especially when it pertains to outside structures such as satellite dishes.
For example, unlike with a single family home, you do not own the ground or anything beyond the walls that surround your individual unit. Therefore, you do not have the right to put up any outside structures.
In some cases, you may be protected by law such as FCC regulations that prevent restrictions for satellite dishes within areas used solely by the owner or tenant of a unit. Thus, if you have a balcony, FCC regulations protect you. That doesn’t mean you can put up an oversized dish, but you can install a regular sized dish. You want to make sure before you buy a condominium what the rules and regulations are of the association and just what you are allowed to do.
Keep in mind that condo living is similar to apartment living, and as such you have to be considerate of the needs of your neighbors. You may be restricted in terms of parties, at least noisy parties, if your neighbors go to bed early or are retired.
If you think you can outsmart the rules of the condominium association, you are looking for trouble. Remember, when you move in, you have to join the associations, and you have to agree to follow the rules and regulations. If the rules say you can only have a small dog, and you bring a German Shepherd, even though the inside structure is yours, if there are rules limiting the size, you can be forced to get rid of the dog or be forced to move even though you own your unit.
Reasons such as these are why not everyone is suited to condominium living, and if you want space that is totally yours, you may want to consider a single family home or townhouse. Though there are still restrictions based on zoning laws or homeowners’ associations, they are not nearly as restrictive as those you will face in a condominium.
Many ask, “How can they tell me what I can do when I own my unit?” The reasoning is simple: you only own what is between the inner walls, not the building or the grounds. Those are common areas, and members of the association (like yourself) vote on things that will be allowed and any changes to existing rules must be voted upon by the membership. In fact, in smaller complexes, the owners may share the grounds keeping chores instead of hiring a gardener. Likewise, if you want to hang a fifty-foot billboard inside your unit, no one can stop you because that part of the building belongs solely to you. If you make the choice to live in a condominium, you have to be willing to follow the rules that are set down by the association and its membership.
This is one of the big reasons I would never want to own a condo. I would not want to be told I can not do this or that. Researching the condo docs and rules and regs are very important to do prior to making your purchase.
You’re absolutely right - always remember to check the small print in your contract.
I am gonna make sure to stay away from condos from the future because of that fact.
It amazes me how many people still don’t read what they sign. And after that, they have the nerve to make a fuss about how their rights are violated ….. Guess what, buddy ? You fail!
I have seen some very heated arguments in my condo community over some very minor rules. I thought it was going to get out of control. I have to agree with Miami, people just don’t seem to read the fine print these days.
It is true that the CC&R’s can have quite a number of restrictions, including items like the association may fix problems on your deck because it is exterior. There are some benefits to being part of a condo association, but it is certainly wise to be aware of the limitations of what you can and can’t do.
It’s like living with a large extended family.
Like Mom used to say, “We must get along children.”
If you look at it from that perspective from the outset, you’ll be alright.
It is not easy to live in condo.
I’ve been thinking lately about moving on a condo, but since my lifestyle doesn’t suit I decided to back out and now I’m saving money to own a house. I want freedom but of course I know my limitation. Having a condo unit is good but if that takes away most of your freedom then think first.
Great post.. Thanks for sharing it with us..
Now i know that Condos are not good for living..
i want a home in which i can do everything i want..
Home with privacy.. not like condos..
Wow, this is hot topic in my area. We have many condos and people are often upset when they find out just what they can and cannot do. Condo living can be great, but this is definitely one of the downsides. If you live in a condo, your best protection is to be active in the association to protect your interests. If you are considering a condo, look for the restrictions in the condo docs. A few hours reading the docs is cheap insurance against future surprises.
Lynn Byrne, Centerpointe Realty
Daytona Beach, FL
Yeah…most people I see don’t know what they are signing. I do feel bad for them, but I don’t think they deserve a break. It is tricky in these condo associations though, especially with the large number of restrictions.
Where I live we actually have a development that are single family homes - but it’s condominium ownership. It confuses EVERYBODY. It is nice in the regard though they do NO maintenance - no lawn cutting, no roof repairs, etc. etc but you still have a degree of privacy and the feel of a single family home. But anytime someone gets in a home improvement mood there are always issues - we had a deal fall apart because a patio was put in without the association’s approval and the HOA required it be removed before it was sold…what a mess!
You should read over the CC&R’s before finalizing a purchase. Same thing for HOA rules for homes. You never know what restrictions you may find in them.
As a realtor, these are some of the things I go over with my clients that are wanting to buy condos. Some people don’t mind the restrictions and others do, but as long as they know beforehand then I’ve done my job.
this post also says that it would be much better to have your own house rather than living in a condo where there are a lot of restrictions, policies, and rules that you must abide.
thanks for sharing this one.
It is very important to research Home Owner’s Association prior to investing in a condominum, townhome or loft. Pay close attention to how management allocates funds for repairs, amount of reserves on hand, and type of insurance policy. One of the condos I listed in Plano, Texas has some HOA issues recently. The president and vice president got into a fight at the HOA meeting over distribution of repair funds (going to roof repair or foundation issues) Long story short, the police were called out and one party went to jail and was fired from management.
Kenneth Cox - Dallas Broker
I am one of those people who could never live in any kind of condo - even many HOA’S are too restricting for me! Many people have had a hard time selling because they will have made an improvement but now the HOA finds out about it and makes them tear it down before the house can be sold!