Law of the lounge leaves owners miffed
Q Several owners in our building feel the lounge rules are too strict. The lounge can only be used when we book a private function and pay a deposit, plus a significant cleaning and security guard fee. What can we do to gain easier access to our lounge that is hardly ever used? A The rules regarding your lounge are put into place by the board of directors. This is done to promote the safety and security of the owners as well as the property. If several owners feel the rules are strict then they may explain to the board they feel this way. If the board agrees, they can vote to amend the rules. However, if the board turns a deaf ear, the owners have another option.
Section 58(5) of the Condominium Act says the owners may amend or repeal a rule at a meeting of owners duly called for that purpose. Owners who together own at least 15% of the units can make a written requisition to the board of directors for a meeting under Section 46 of the Act. This must be done in writing and must state the nature of what is to be discussed at the meeting.
If the board refuses to call the meeting then the owners may call the meeting in accordance to section 46 (5) of the Condominium Act. The board would have to reimburse the owners for any reasonable costs incurred in order to call this meeting.
A good board of directors would be wise to try to find a compromise to maintain peace and harmony within the condo corporation.