Disadvantages of Condo Living

Everything in life has advantages and disadvantages, including condo living. For one thing, we have different likes and dislikes, and we all face different circumstances that keep changing throughout life. To rent a condo before you buy is often a good idea.

1/ Proximity of Neighbors

If you value utmost quiet and privacy, close condo neighbors may not be for you, especially if you object to noisy children or barking dogs. Having been on our condo board for over a dozen years, I’ve heard many complaints about neighbors. However, most problems could have been avoided with a friendly attempt to communicate with the neighbor or a more considerate attitude. Most of us want to live in peace and harmony and enjoy life, but not everyone. 

By the way, condo associations usually refuse to settle grievances between residents unless an action is clearly in violation of the CC&Rs. Condominiums are also subject to state and federal condo laws.

2/ Diminished Laissez Faire

Condo residents are limited in what they can do. After 10:00 pm, you may be fined for having a noisy party, loud music, or doing the laundry unless your floor is soundproof. Dogs and cats are not allowed in common areas, including the garden. You can’t make structural changes to your condo unless the board gives the green light. Even your balcony and garage area may be scrutinized for neatness and type of storage container. Children have to be accompanied by adults in most areas; they don’t have the freedom of your own back yard.

Recently, our city in California passed a No-Smoking Law that prohibits smoking in common areas of all multi-dwelling buildings, such as apartments and condos. Even more disturbing to smokers will be next year’s edict: as of 1/1/2013, no one will be allowed to smoke in their own unit!

Politicians seem to be steering us more and more away from individual freedom toward an emphasis on the common good. In a few more years we may be spelling the pronoun “I” no longer with a capital letter.

3/ Diminished Control

Unless you are on the board of managers—usually three or five volunteers—you have little control over the management of the complex, nor of its finances, but you do have a vote to elect the candidates, and you can vote on special issues. It’s a pity, we can’t plant an apple tree by our back porch or a rose bush by the bedroom window, but we can join the always-welcome group of garden volunteers. With the board’s support you might even organize a big rummage sale to buy new equipment for the condo gym.

Depending on your stage in life and your preferences, condo living has many benefits that can far outweigh the disadvantages, especially if you are single or retired, and without children or big pets.

Enjoy yourself wherever you live,

Ros McIntosh