An Owner’s Guide to the Declaration, By-laws and Condo Rules

Serves as a guide for condominium unit owners to understand the governing documents of their condo corporation, including the Declaration, By-laws, and Rules. The article uses the analogy of a company to explain that condo unit owners are like shareholders in the corporation, where they share both benefits and responsibilities. The Declaration is described as the foundational document that outlines the structure and responsibilities within the condo corporation. The By-laws provide governance and operational guidelines that must be reasonable and can be amended with owner notice. The Rules focus on maintaining safety, security, and community well-being and can be changed more easily to adapt to evolving needs. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding these documents and participating in condo governance to ensure responsible leadership, proper budgeting, and the overall well-being of the community.