February 23, 2026 - Blog Post

How Do We Get Condo Owners to Follow the Rules?

Rules only work if people actually follow them.  In the first two blogs in this series of three, we looked at why condo rules matter and why some owners ignore them.  Now it’s time for the practical part: what boards and managers can actually do to improve compliance.

One of the most common frustrations for condominium boards is rule compliance. Directors spend hours developing rules to protect property values, maintain safety, and ensure a pleasant living environment—yet some owners still ignore them.

The reality is that compliance is not just a legal issue; it is a behavioural and community issue.  The most successful boards focus on creating a culture where following the rules is the norm, not the exception.

The following are some practical strategies that boards and managers can use to improve compliance from their owners:

1. Make Rules Easy to Understand

Many condominium rules are written in legal or technical language that owners rarely read or remember.  If people do not understand the rules, they are unlikely to follow them.

Practical tips:

• Provide plain-language summaries of key rules.
• Use visual guides for parking, pets, noise, and renovations.
• Send short reminders at key times of the year (e.g., holiday noise reminders or renovation season reminders).

Clear, simple communication dramatically improves compliance.

2. Build Social Norms Around Compliance

People tend to follow rules when they believe others are doing the same.  Boards can reinforce positive social norms by highlighting good behaviour and community spirit.

Examples:

• Thank residents publicly for keeping noise down during busy periods.
• Highlight responsible pet ownership in newsletters.
• Use signage that reflects positive norms (e.g., “Most residents clean up after their pets—thank you for doing your part.”).

Social cues are powerful and often more effective than penalties.

3. Enforce Rules Consistently and Fairly

Nothing undermines a board faster than selective enforcement. When some owners are allowed to ignore rules, others will question why they should comply.

Boards should:

• Apply rules evenly to all owners, including directors.
• Document complaints, warnings, and actions taken.
• Avoid informal exceptions unless formally approved and documented.

Consistency builds credibility and trust.

4. Use Progressive Enforcement

Jumping straight to fines or legal action often escalates conflict unnecessarily.  A progressive approach is usually more effective:

1. Friendly reminder
2. Written notice referencing the rule
3. Formal warning outlining consequences
4. Apply to have the dispute heard by a condominium dispute officer
5. Seek arbitration

Starting with education and escalating only when necessary preserves relationships while maintaining authority.

5. Make Compliance Easy

Sometimes residents break rules because compliance is inconvenient or unclear.

Consider:

• Clear renovation approval processes and forms.
• Easy-to-understand waste and recycling procedures.
• Adequate signage and infrastructure (e.g., pet waste stations, visitor parking signs).

Good system design often reduces violations more effectively than strict enforcement.

6. Educate New Owners and Tenants Early

The first 90 days in a community are critical for setting expectations.

Effective practices include:

• Welcome packages with key rules and contact information.
• Acknowledgement forms confirming receipt of rules.
• Orientation sessions or short videos explaining how the community operates.

Early education prevents many future conflicts.

7. Encourage Positive Peer Influence

Neighbour-to-neighbour culture matters. Boards can foster respectful peer influence by:

• Encouraging residents to report issues without confrontation.
• Supporting community-building activities and communication channels.
• Establishing welcome or community ambassador committees.

Avoid public shaming, which can backfire and damage community trust.

8. Explain the Purpose Behind Rules

People are more likely to follow rules when they understand why they exist.

Instead of simply stating restrictions, explain the underlying reasons—such as safety, insurance requirements, building integrity, or protecting residents’ quiet enjoyment.

9. Lead by Example at the Board Level

Directors set the tone. If board members ignore rules, residents will follow suit. Boards should model compliance and transparency in all actions.

10. Accept That Perfect Compliance Is Unrealistic

No condominium will achieve 100 percent compliance. The goal is not perfection but a fair, respectful, and well-managed community where most residents understand and follow the rules.

Final Thoughts

Rule compliance is as much about communication, culture, and design as it is about enforcement. Boards that invest in education, consistency, and community-building often see fewer violations and less conflict.

By making rules understandable, building social norms, and enforcing fairly, condominium communities can move from constant conflict toward shared responsibility and cooperation.

Michael Kennedy
CCI Nova Scotia