New Condo Owner Move-In Checklist

HOME SWEET CONDOMINIUM

Welcome home! Moving into a condominium corporation has many benefits, including increased camaraderie and convenient amenities. However, with this lifestyle, homeowners have specific responsibilities and must do their part to preserve the neighbourhood’s quality and value.

At Wilson Blanchard, we have decades of experience helping new homeowners acclimate to condominium living. From rules and regulations to common element fees, amenities, and services, there’s much to learn about condominium and homeowner expectations. Use this checklist to guide you through all the must-dos as you settle into a new home in a condominium.

 

GET YOUR WELCOME PACKAGE

A welcome package is a comprehensive guide many condominium corporations provides to new homeowners. With it in hand, you’ll have all the information you need about your community. Think of it as a condominium operating manual, like the ones you might have to set up furniture and appliances. The difference is that instead of assembly instructions, the welcome package includes:

• Governing Documents: The rules and regulations that homeowners must follow.
• Contacts: Key condominium and community contacts.
• Community Calendar: Dates for meetings and events and maintenance schedules.
• Amenities Guide: Information on the community’s amenities and how to access them.

You should receive your welcome package from your condominium leadership as soon as you move in. If you don’t get yours, contact management.

 

READ THE RULES

When you move into a condominium, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations. These guidelines facilitate a harmonious living environment and help maintain property values. Though you might be tempted to brush them aside, new homeowners should, at the very least, understand the rules most relevant to them to prevent issues and conflicts. There may be guidelines on things like lawn care, parking, or noise. You can find your community’s rules and regulations in the governing documents, which can be accessed:

• On your condominium’s website. Many communities have an online portal for documents.
• In-person at your condominium’s office. Physical copies can typically be requested.
• In your welcome package. Governing documents are often included for easy reference.

 

UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Identify which utilities you need to set up in your new home, such as:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet
• Cable

Ensure timely activation to avoid interruptions, and review payment timelines. In addition to utilities, find the schedule for services like trash pickup.

You’ll also want to locate your nearest fire department, police station, and hospital. With this information handy, you can respond quickly in urgent situations, enhancing the safety and security of your household and condominium.

 

PREPARE FOR ASSESSMENTS AND OTHER EXPENSES

All condominium homeowners must pay common element fees to their corporation on a monthly basis. While they vary across corporations, these payments can go towards things like:

• Common area maintenance
• Amenity upkeep
• Community security
• Insurance
• Utilities
• Reserve fund contributions

Ensure you’re informed about the other potential expenses. No matter what you’re paying, familiarize yourself with the different payment methods available. Check if your community collects payments in-person or online, and consider enrolling in automatic payments so you don’t miss deadlines.

 

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR CONDOMINIUM

Getting to know your condominium board members, staff, and neighbours helps you form bonds and instills a sense of community. To say hello, attend condominium general meetings or social events. At general meetings, you’ll get crucial information, become acquainted with leadership, and learn how the community functions. At social activities, you’ll have an opportunity to foster connections with fellow residents. At various events, you’ll likely meet:

• The board of directors. A group of volunteers authorized to act on the community’s behalf to create and enforce guidelines, set goals, and protect homeowner rights. A condominium board is usually comprised of a president, treasurer, and secretary at minimum.
• Management company. The company hired to fulfill duties that board members don’t carry out.
• Your property manager. The face of the management company, responsible for assisting with operations and advising the board.
• Service providers. Landscaping, pool services, maintenance, waste management, restoration, and construction partners and vendors that support the community.

 

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE AMENITIES

Amenities are one of the best parts of condominium living. By joining a condominium corporation, new homeowners may gain access to private features, such as:

• Pools
• Fitness centres
• Clubhouses
• Walking paths
• Playgrounds
• Picnic areas
• Basketball/tennis/pickleball courts

Understand all the amenities your community offers and visit them frequently. They should be some of the best parts of community living, curated specifically for resident enjoyment. Learn their hours of operation, availability, and rules, like reservation requirements or guest policies.

 

EXPLORE THINGS OUTSIDE OF YOUR CONDOMINIUM

While you should spend time exploring and enjoying your condominium community, checking out your surrounding community is important too. Look for:

• Restaurants
• Shopping centres
• Schools
• Movie theaters
• Doctors/dentist offices
• Pet care stores

Ask neighbours for their recommendations and favourite spots.  Your condominium may even have partnerships with businesses that offer resident discounts. By engaging with the broader community, not just the condominium, new homeowners enrich their experience and build more fulfilling lives in their new neighbourhood.