Tips for Living in a Strata Community

Millions of people around the world live in a managed community. These types of communities can differ by location, but in general, being a member of a strata corporation provides a unique set of opportunities. If you’re looking to enhance your strata community living experience, then we've identified five simple ways to get the most out of it. 

1. Know the bylaws & rules and respect them.

Hopefully, you got to know the bylaws and rules before buying your strata home, but if not, it’s never too late to start. Take a close look at your governing documents and familiarize yourself with your community's bylaws and rules. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for help. Your strata council or strata manager will be happy to answer any questions you have and fill in any missing details.

Once you have a proper understanding of your strata bylaws and rules, do your best to follow them. Almost all potential problems of living in a strata property will be avoided by living within the rules and bylaws. If your community has a guideline that you can't follow, don't worry. Strata properties are more flexible than you may think, and there are ways to change your strata's bylaws and rules. However, it's in your best interest to follow the bylaws and rules as long as you live in that community. Always wait until a rule or bylaw has been officially changed using the proper channels before deviating.

2. Try to be a good neighbour.

Following the bylaws and rules will also help keep a good relationship between you and your neighbours. If you suspect your neighbours of ignoring neighbourhood guidelines, like parking or noise violations, don't jump to any conclusions. It may be wise to talk to your neighbour face-to-face before ever reporting them to your council. Either way, keeping open lines of communication between you and your neighbours is always a good idea. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to them and invite them to strata meetings and activities.

3. Get out and enjoy everything your community has to offer.

Living in a strata community isn't free, but often it does have some perks. If you’re paying monthly dues to help maintain neighbourhood parks, pools, or walking trails, then get out and enjoy them with your family. One of the main reasons people want to live in a strata community is to take advantage of the added events and amenities. Getting out and enjoying the extra things your community offers will likely improve your sense of community and make your experience of living there far more enjoyable.

4. Actively participate and volunteer with your strata community.

If you’re looking for additional ways to get involved in your community, then stratas provide many volunteer opportunities. Start by attending your strata's meeting and getting to know your current council members. Often, your council will have additional committees for activities or welcoming new members that you can help run. Likewise, you may want to consider volunteering on the strata council.

5. Stay connected and communicate often. 

Strata communities are always changing and adapting to meet the needs of their residents. While your council may try its best to keep you informed, it’s a good idea to do all that you can to stay connected. Make sure you are signed up to receive any community communications, whether it be through the mail, emails, text messages, or phone calls. Additionally, many communities will also use online apps and websites to send out notifications. Whichever way your strata communicates, make sure you are plugged in and not missing any relevant news or announcements.