Condo Living

December 5, 2024 Published by Grand River Chapter - By Corey Sargeant

Holiday Reminders: Christmas decorations & fire hazards

With seasonal holidays just around the corner, below are some considerations with respect to condominium living.

With seasonal holidays just around the corner, below are some considerations with respect to condominium living.

• Seasonal exterior decorations should be placed and removed in accordance with your condominium’s rules. Please try to use products that do not damage the common elements while ensuring all decorations are secure and do not give rise to an increase in liability. At all times we ask you to be mindful of affecting others’ reasonable enjoyment when placing seasonal decorations. Spotlights should only illuminate your areas of the common elements and audio components of your display should not affect the quiet enjoyment of your neighbours.
• Interior decorations should be placed in a safe and secure manner. Please always keep fire safety in mind and follow any guidelines at your condominium corporation with respect to same.
• With the holiday season comes festive celebrations and increased visitors. Please be considerate of others and understanding of noise concerns that might arise over the holidays. Please ensure you follow any requirements your condominium corporation may have with respect to gatherings and on site parking to ensure a hassle free holiday season.
• With increased volume of on-line shopping, depending on a condominium’s style, deliveries can become challenging during holiday season. Please ensure you follow any delivery protocols set out and always ensure packages are retrieved from porches and assigned delivery locations as soon as possible, to limit the chances of theft. Consider alternate delivery locations such as your place of work or a family member who is home during the day as options, to minimize the possibility of theft.

With the holiday season comes vacations or extended time away from your condominium. Please consider the following when preparing for that trip:

• Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
• Set your heating control to ensure minimum heat requirements are met, but do not shut it off.
• Follow any requirements of your condominium corporation when your absence is for an extended period, such as having the unit regularly inspected.
• Ensure the condominium corporation has the ability to enter your unit in the event of an emergency.
• Share any emergency contact information with the condominium corporation through your property manager.
• Shut off water lines at the source.

Please note the points above are generic in nature and all residents should look to their specific governing documents for official direction. When in doubt speak with your board and/or property manager to gain clarity to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Corey Sargeant
President, G3 Property Solutions