Types of Condominiums
The Condominium Property Act defines three main types of condominiums in Alberta: bare land condominiums, phased developments, and conventional condominiums.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Types of Condominiums
Interpreting a Condominium Plan
Analyzing Management Requirements
Bare Land Condominiums
According to the Condominium Property Act, a "bare land unit" is “a unit defined by reference to boundaries described on a condominium plan with respect to land but without reference to any buildings.” This means that the individual units are defined as parcels of land rather than physical structures.
Key Characteristics:
Unit owners are responsible for all structures built on the land within their unit boundaries.
The condominium corporation manages common areas like roads, sidewalks, or shared landscaping.
Phased Developments
Phased developments allow a condominium to be built in stages. Under the Condominium Property Regulation, a "phased development disclosure statement" must be provided when the condominium plan is registered. This document outlines the anticipated phases and completion timelines.
Key Characteristics:
Units and common property are added incrementally as phases are completed.
Managers must account for potential delays or changes in the development plan.
Conventional Condominiums
Conventional condominiums are the most common type, where units are typically part of a building and defined by physical boundaries, such as walls, floors, and ceilings.
Key Characteristics:
Common property includes shared areas like hallways, lobbies, or parking lots.
The condominium corporation is responsible for maintaining the common property, while unit owners maintain their individual units.
Interpreting a Condominium Plan
The Condominium Property Regulation requires that a condominium plan clearly identify the boundaries of units, common property, and exclusive-use areas. Understanding these elements is critical for ensuring proper management and compliance with the legislation.
Definitions
Unit Boundaries: These define the individual units that owners are responsible for maintaining.
Common Property: Areas shared by all owners, such as roofs, exterior walls, or hallways.
Exclusive-Use Areas: Portions of common property designated for the exclusive use of a specific unit owner, such as balconies or parking stalls.
Analyzing Management Requirements
The Condominium Property Regulation outlines distinct management responsibilities for different types of condominiums. Managers must understand these responsibilities to ensure compliance and maintain the property effectively.
Management Requirements for Bare Land Condominiums
Unit owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing any buildings or structures within their unit boundaries.
The condominium corporation is typically responsible for shared infrastructure such as roads, fences, and communal landscaping.
Management Requirements for Conventional Condominiums
The condominium corporation is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all common property.
Unit owners are responsible for the maintenance of their units, including any fixtures, appliances, and other personal property within their boundaries.
Example Scenario: A roof in a bare land condominium is damaged by a storm. Evaluate whether the unit owner or the condominium corporation is responsible for repairs. In contrast, in a conventional condominium, roof repairs are the corporation’s responsibility, as it is part of the common property.
