We’ve been creating a monthly newsletter for many years. In all that time, no one has suggested a topic to us, until recently. Someone we’d helped buy a condo mentioned that she enjoyed receiving the newsletters. When asked if there was a topic she would like us to cover, and she surprised us by saying, “Yes.” Christine, this one’s for you!
Christine noticed a pattern as she’s talked with new condo owners. People were buying condos without knowing anything about the complex, except the amenities. The new owners thought that they would be able to do whatever they wanted to the condo, and use the condo as they liked. Because the new owners had those expectations, they were a little disappointed with their purchase.
Living in a condo complex is very different from home ownership. It’s more similar to apartment living. There are rules, fees, common areas, possible assessments, and board and committee participation.
As you review condo listings, look to see if there is a the Document section. This is where the listing Realtor will include information other than the amenities. In our condo listings we add as much information as we can find.
- You may see:
- By-Laws
- Rules & Regulations
- Condo Declaration
- Articles of Incorporation
- Approved Budget
- Rules for Renters
- Rules for Property Managers
- Pet Policy
No complex will have all of these documents because not all complexes have all of these rules. And, sometimes information, like the pet policy, may be included in the Rules & Regulations instead of in a separate document.
Unfortunately, unless you are looking at the listing through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), the Documents section may not appear even though it is part of the listing.
Here are a couple of examples of people thinking they can use the condo as they’d like.
Baby On the Way
A large one bedroom condo was being shown to a couple with a baby. During the showing they told me that they were intending to have a second child. Because I was already familiar with the Rules & Regulations of the complex, I was able to share that the complex allowed no more than 3 people living in the condo, so this complex would not work for them and their growing family.
Adding a New Window
Some clients of ours were thinking of buying an end unit so that they could add a window on the side of the building for increased light and airflow. They were cautioned that this might be allowed, but it would need to be approved by the Condo Board of Directors. One cannot just create an opening as you could if you owned a house.
Bottom line? Make sure that you see at least the Rules & Regulations.
Ask for any documents for the complex. If you have something in mind for living in the condo, or changes you may want to make to it, express this to your Realtor. They will be able to assist you in discovering if it’s possible, and will ensure that you know as much as you can so that you will be happy with your purchase and your life at the condo complex.
Watch our video below for more of our discussion. Read our August 2026 Newsletter here.