This is NOT how you should deal with parking issues

It never ceases to amaze me how the anonymity of a keyboard can make people say and do things they would never do face to face. Or at least I hope they would never do face to face.

I received an e-mail from a homeowner at one of my townhouse properties expressing her disgust at a note that was left on vehicle of a visitor to her unit. I would love to show you the contents of the note, but it was that vulgar. The least offense word in the note was “moron”. It even went so far as to use the “see you next Tuesday” word!!

Now this is a small property, 18 units. I have no doubt that there are several owners who know who the author of the note is.

This is a great example of one of the four “P’s” that property managers assist corporations in dealing with; People, Pets, Parking and Politics. It should also serve as a lesson to those corporations who feel that the cost of parking enforcement is not a cost they are willing to bear.

The end result of that decision is a free for all with parking on a first come first served basis, and the possibility that when owners take this matter into their own hands, it becomes ugly and messy.

Your home is not necessarily your castle!

The owners of a townhouse corporation I manage recently replaced the roof of their townhome.  While this was within their right and their responsibility, what they forgot to do was inform the corporation of the repair and request permission to change the color of their roof shingles.

The change in shingle color was a major detraction to the overall uniformity of the property, and as a result, the board requested he replace his shingle with one approved by the board.

Thankfully the owner complied, quite quickly.  A very messy battle averted!

Let this be an $8,000 lesson to all owners.  Even if you believe your intended repair is within the restrictions of your corporations documents, take the time to confirm this with your property manager.

New Message Board

We have opened up a new message board on our web-site.  Some important points to keep in mind when posting:

• The message boards are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information included in a message board should not replace consultations with a qualified professional.
• These message boards are NOT monitored for content. Traway Property Management does not verify the information placed on any message board and, therefore, cannot judge the merits or lack thereof, of any offering, information, suggestions, ideas, opinions or advice.
• Please note opinions and views voiced on these forums are not necessarily those of Traway Property Management Services.

 Enjoy!

 

Ontario's Home Renovation Tax Credit - Finally Some Straight Answers

As posted on the blog of Chris Jaglowitz from Gardiner, Miller Arnold, the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Condominium Institute has posted a series of questions and answers regarding the new Home Renovation Tax Credit.  The complete document can be found here.

Time to get those calculators out!

Keeping Our Office Staff Safe

For those of you who live in the Greater Toronto Area, it was reported today that an incident at a rooming house in Toronto resulted in the death of it's operator. Read this City News article.

This horrific story should serve as a reminder to all managers and on-site staff of the importance of personal safety in our workplace.

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The 2009 Home Renovaton Tax Credit and Condominiums

The 2009 Tax forms are out and instructions on claiming the credit for the new Home Renovation Tax Credit can be found on page 38 of the 2009 General Income Tax and Benefit Guide. To begin, you list your  expenses on Schedule 12. For condominium owners, this may include amounts spent by the Corporation, in addition to your personal expenditures.

One of the qualifying conditions for condominium owners is if "the condominium has notified you in writing of your share of the expenses". This places the onus on the Corporation to calculate and report to the owners their share of eligible expenses...

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How Much Are My Condo Fees Per Square Foot?

Attempting to compare Condominium common element fees is like comparing apples to oranges. Always was, always will be.

Let’s examine two identical properties, high rises located in the same geographical area. Both buildings have a pool, party room, security, underground parking and 5 board members.

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