House Rules
Most property management companies draw up a set of house rules setting out basic standards for communal living.
The terms and conditions of these rules are usually listed in the lease agreement. A standard set of 15 to 20 rules is common in most leases, but terms and conditions may vary.
House rules typically cover issues such as noise levels, keeping pets, hanging laundry from balconies, refuse disposal, car parking etc. When you sign a lease, you are effectively giving a legal undertaking that you will adhere to these rules.
Before you buy, you should consult your solicitor about the terms and conditions of the house rules.
Disputes over house rules
The management company has ultimate responsibility for setting and enforcing the house rules. Procedures for dealing with complaints in relation to the house rules should be clearly outlined and communicated to all owners and residents by the company directors.
Depending on the lease or the management company’s articles of association, house rules may be changed by the directors or by a vote at the company’s AGM.
Landlords and tenants
If you are a landlord, you should ensure that your tenants are familiar with the house rules by including them in the tenancy agreement.
It is important that tenants and landlords know who is responsible for enforcing the house rules and what steps to take if disputes arise.
Landlords should forward written complaints from tenants to the management company. They should also send on any reply from the management company to the tenant. The management company should “have regard” for the tenant’s complaint – in other words, it should not be ignored.
In extreme cases, tenants or landlords may need to seek legal assistance to resolve house rule disputes. But good communication and co-operation between tenants, landlords and the management company should ensure that house rule disputes are speedily resolved without recourse to the law.
How well are you doing?
Answer this simple question to see how well you understand this section.
Question: Which of the following issues do the house rules of a multi-unit development typically cover?
Answer A: Whether residents are allowed to smoke in their own homes
Answer B: Noise levels, keeping pets, hanging laundry from balconies, parking etc.
Answer C: If there is a land line phone in each house, how the bill should be split