Condo living comes with its own set of unique challenges. From shared amenities to financial decisions that impact everyone, it’s all about finding a balance. But what happens when one of the board members, the people responsible for making key decisions, starts causing problems? We’re talking about rogue board members – those individuals who push their own agendas, act aggressively, or ignore the rules that keep the condo community running smoothly.
Rogue board members can show up in different ways. Maybe it’s someone who only got on the board to make sure their personal renovation gets approved, or perhaps it’s the loudest voice in the room, intimidating other board members into silence. Sometimes, it’s even someone leaking confidential information to the rest of the condo owners. Whatever their style, these rogue members can create chaos within the condo board.
So, how do you manage a rogue board member? It’s not easy, but there are strategies. The first step is to try and understand their behavior. Often, their actions stem from insecurities or personal stresses. Staying calm and trying to see where they’re coming from can help defuse the situation – even if it feels impossible in the moment.
Setting boundaries is crucial. The board operates as a team, and no one person should be running the show. Make it clear what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t. And stick to those boundaries. Having clear guidelines helps keep everyone on the same page and prevents one person from dominating the discussions. A good trick is to put time limits on topics during meetings to prevent any one member from taking over.
But what if things get really bad? When a rogue member’s actions start affecting the mental health of the board, the property manager, or even the residents, it might be time to consider removal. In Ontario, the Condominium Act allows for a director to be removed – but it’s not easy. You’d need a petition signed by 15% of the condo’s owners and then a vote where over half of the owners agree to the removal. It’s a big hurdle, but it can be done if the rogue board member is causing enough harm.
Another option is to put specific clauses into the condo’s by-laws, allowing for the removal of a director based on ethical violations. This gives the board a way to address the issue without needing a full owner vote. If your condo doesn’t have this by-law in place, it’s something worth considering to avoid similar problems down the road.
Ultimately, rogue board members can create a toxic environment in a condo community. They can harm relationships, derail meetings, and even affect the condo’s finances. But with the right strategies – and when necessary, the right legal actions – it’s possible to manage and even remove these challenging individuals.
If you’re dealing with a difficult board member, don’t hesitate to reach out to your property manager for advice. They’re trained in conflict resolution and can help guide the board through tough situations. With the right support, your condo board can stay focused on what matters: making decisions that benefit everyone in the community.
Recent Comments