Living in a condo community can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges... and possible conflicts.
Disagreements are a natural part of living in close proximity to others, and learning how to handle these issues can help create a harmonious living environment. Whether it's a disagreement with your neighbor, frustration with condo property management, or an issue with the condominium boards, it's important to approach these situations with a level head and a willingness to find a positive resolution.
In this blog post, we've compiled 20 top tips for property managers, board members, residents, and vendors - everyone working and living together in Ontario's condo community - to help you handle conflict within your condo corporation. From preventative methods to community-based solutions, legal options, and ongoing communication, these tips will help you navigate the complexities of condo living and maintain a peaceful and enjoyable home environment.
Let's stay calm and collected, and solve the conflict in a way that helps you and builds community using this crash course and conflict resolution workshop with quick tips for property managers and everyone contributing to their condo community!
From Prevention to Conflict Resolution:
Strategies and 20 Tips to Resolve Condo Conflict in your Community
There are plenty of conflict resolution tips, tools, and strategies that we can offer, but did you know the very best advice for conflict management? Conflict prevention. We should all be aiming to prevent conflict from the very start - and we're here to tell you that, as tough as it may sometimes seem, it is possible!
Let's find out how together, before we dive into more conflict resolution tips, conflict resolutions tools, and our top conflict resolution strategies for communities across Condoland!
How to Prevent Conflict in your Condo Community
The very first thing that you should do when trying conflict management is to consider some preventative methods:
Remember that conflict is a normal part of living in a community, but with patience, understanding, and respect, it can be resolved in a positive way.
Be proactive in addressing issues before they escalate and tempers start getting hotter!
Know your rights and responsibilities for whatever your role is in you condo community and condo industry.
Be familiar with the condo corporation's bylaws and rules - knowing your rights and responsibilities from the start can help you make the appropriate decisions needed to keep you out of trouble!
Dive deeper into why conflict occurs, and our perceptions during arguments of the issue and others, via this article from Harvard on 5 Conflict Resolution Strategies >
Conflict Resolution Tips: Aiming for Informal Condo Conflict Resolution
Though, if the conflict's still there, you may want to consider some informal means for resolution:
Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
Try to understand the other person's perspective and listen to their concerns.
Be respectful and communicate in a clear and concise manner.
Avoid personal attacks and focus on the issue at hand.
Try to resolve the issue through informal means first, such as a friendly conversation or mediation.
Keep a record of any interactions or correspondence related to the conflict.
Check out some additional Informal Conflict Resolution Strategies >
Conflict Resolution Tools: Formal Ways to Address Conflict in Your Condominium
But if that didn't cut it, you may need to escalate to some more formal methods:
Understand the role of the property management company and the board of directors.
Attend owner's meetings and voice your concerns in a respectful and constructive manner.
Use the condo corporation's complaint process to formally raise concerns.
Document any violations of the condo corporation's rules or bylaws.
Be prepared to compromise and find a middle ground.
If you're a condo owner that's unsure of anything to do with your condominium information, don't forget that you can submit a Request for Records to your property management or board of directors so you can examine the information you need to get a better understanding of the condo's operations and its leadership's decision-making.
Conflict Resolution Strategies: Leveraging Legal Options
And unfortunately, you may even have to look at some legal options:
Consider seeking the advice of a lawyer who specializes in condo law.
Seek support from friends, family or a professional if the conflict is causing significant stress or anxiety.
Did you know that some conflict and disputes may be resolved quickly through The Condominium Authority Tribunal (also known as The CAT)? Check out if your issue falls within the Tribunal's jurisdiction >
Are you dealing with an infringement on your rights, harassment, or violence in your condo? Do you need a lawyer’s advice? You can find a condo lawyer on Stratastic’s vendor directory, “My Condo Vendor”, or a variety of lawyers via the Law Society of Ontario!
Bonus Conflict Resolution Strategies
More common ground ideas to curb conflict: community-based solutions + ongoing communication:
Work with your neighbours to find a solution that benefits everyone.
Avoid gossiping or speaking negatively about other residents or the board of directors.
Stay informed about any changes or updates related to the conflict or the condo corporation.
Here's a great guide from Psychology Today on Managing Conflict Resolution Effectively >
Additional Resources: Concluding our Crash Course + Conflict Resolution Workshop
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to peacefully and productively carrying our your part in our collective condo community. Don't forget that Stratastic has a resource library, Stak'd, with over 10,000 hand-curated, condo-related sources to help you familiarize yourself with the complexities of Condoland.
Here are more resources, tailored to your role:
Updated on April 27, 2024.
Yeah, conflict can be irritating sometimes, particularly when u quarrel with a karen 🙄. To anyone who handles a community, pls learn to handle ur people well and know what causes the problem. Of course, pls have patience, be open-minded when u handle these types of situations.
Peace🤗