Unit Owner Rights and Limitations Under the CPA
The Condominium Property Act (CPA) and its regulations establish specific rights for unit owners, including:
The right to access certain corporation records, such as financial statements, bylaws, and meeting minutes.
The right to vote on key decisions at general meetings, subject to voting rights and restrictions.
The right to request repairs and maintenance for common property.
The right to challenge board decisions through proper dispute resolution channels.
Limits on Unit Owner Requests
While unit owners have rights, there are limitations on their ability to make demands:
Unit owners cannot direct the condominium manager to act independently—the manager must follow board-approved policies.
Requests that involve financial expenditures (e.g., upgrades to common property) require board approval.
Owners cannot request access to confidential corporation records, including legal opinions or individual owner account details.
Requests That Require Board Approval vs. Those a Manager Can Process Directly
Requests That Require Board Approval
Changes to common property (e.g., installing new security cameras, modifying landscaping).
Financial expenditures (e.g., special projects, upgrades).
Amendments to condominium bylaws or policies.
Requests for exceptions to bylaws (e.g., pet approvals in no-pet buildings).
Disputes between owners or complaints requiring enforcement action.
Requests That a Manager Can Handle Directly
Providing approved condominium records (financial reports, meeting minutes, bylaws).
Processing maintenance requests for common property repairs.
Assisting with standard administrative forms (e.g., parking permits, intercom access).
Clarifying existing bylaws and policies.
Handling Unreasonable or Unauthorized Unit Owner Demands
Sometimes, unit owners may:
Demand action outside the manager’s authority.
Request confidential information.
Make excessive or unreasonable demands on time and resources.
Strategies for Handling Unreasonable Requests
Refer to the CPA and Bylaws
Provide the unit owner with the relevant section of the CPA or condominium bylaws.
Escalate to the Board When Necessary
If a request requires board approval, document it and refer it to the board for a decision.
Maintain Professional Communication
Respond clearly and factually, avoiding personal opinions or emotional responses.
Document All Interactions
Keep records of unit owner requests, responses, and any escalations to the board.
