October 2018
Over half of all small businesses started over the past decade are home-based according to government statistics. They are an important part of our economy.
Despite their volume or importance, not all home-based businesses are suitable for condo buildings.
Consulting businesses work well. These include computer-based businesses, writing and research services, and counselling or therapy services. These businesses tend not to have a significant number of clients visiting the “office”.
Condo communities can choose to permit home-based businesses and home offices so long as they comply with local and corporation rules.
Businesses that have clients/guests/patients waiting in condo lobbies or common areas may contravene condo rules.
Businesses that have clients/guests/patients waiting in condo lobbies or common areas may contravene condo rules.
Ontario requires that all businesses be registered with the province. Condo corporation documents may impose certain restrictions on commercial activity in condo buildings. While commercial activity may be prohibited, businesses that do not involve customer traffic or employees may be acceptable and viewed as comparable to working from home on behalf of an employer.
It is reasonable for condo communities to allow commercial activities in condo suites while restricting what type of commercial activities are acceptable. One approach would be to restrict activities that involve client visitations, displays visible from the outside, deliveries of merchandise, resale of manufactured items, structural alterations to the suite and those that cause noise, vibration, smoke, odours, heat, humidity or glare.
Condo corporation documents limiting the use of condo suites for residential purposes are generally intended to discourage nuisance behaviour; activities that utilize common areas for commercial purposes or which negatively impact on condo residents.
Condo corporation documents limiting the use of condo suites for residential purposes are generally intended to discourage nuisance behaviour; activities that utilize common areas for commercial purposes or which negatively impact on condo residents.
In the end, allowable activities in a condo building are dependent on goodwill between neighbours. Businesses that do not undertake activities noticeable by management and neighbours are generally not a problem. Those that negatively affect neighbours are likely to be frowned upon.
