Misuse Of The Single Family Provision

The Single Family Provision is a rule commonly included in condominium declarations to protect owners from illegal overcrowding of units, preventing landlords from offering short-term rentals and protecting residents from safety and cost implications of overcrowding. The definition of family may be broad, including cousins or live-in home care workers, but it does not conflict with human rights legislation. The provision, when applied properly, protects all high-rise residents from overcrowding of units and resulting heavier use of utilities and common areas. However, recent controversies surrounding its misuse by some condominium boards demonstrate the need for better understanding and application of the provision.