Can My Condo Management Company Or Maintenance Crews Enter My Unit Without My Consent?
Our condo mgmt company is in the process of conducting inspections etc and has informed us they are changing all our locks so they can have a master key to all the units. Their goal being if they want to get in and inspect (electric,fire alarms, whatever) and we are not home to let them in that they can just walk in on their own.
This doesn’t seem right to me. We also have a dog who is home alone during the day, so there is added concern. Whenever there is a notice of inspection we have told them when we can be home for the inspection, but the impression we are getting is a master key will be made anyway and they may enter our unit with or without our knowledge.
We live in Ontario, Canada…anyone know the condo owners rights in this matter?
Tagged with: Company • Condo • Consent • Crews • Enter • Maintenance • Management • Unit • Without
Filed under: home inspection
Condo associations are self governing. If the bylaws allow for such an agreement to be made, then they can do this. When you own a condo you own in common with the other owners so your sole rights are different than if you owned the property by yourself.
Your rights are to go to the condo meetings and get involved in the governing process. There you might better understand the goals of the master key and the limitations of its’ use. And, if they still rub you the wrong way you have the option to get elected to the board and initiate a change to your liking. It is all up to you.
If you have a copy of your bylaws, read through them. Each association has different rules and regulations. If it does not state within the bylaws anything about this, than I would say they are not allowed to change the locks or enter the premises without your permission. In general condos have the common element rights (ie. shared porches, parking lots, etc.) that the association and management have say over, but anything from the paint in is considered to be under your ownership. My condo has specific rules for items inside my home that are visible on the outside, but have no rights within my unit.
you need to look at your lease to answer that question. if there isn’t anything stated, call your city or providence government for advice.