June 2018
Protecting condo property requires that condo owners and management be proactive. This involves dealing with trespassers.
People can be attracted to condo property for numerous reasons. Buildings located near a school, mall or other hangout may offer railings that entice skateboarders, large open space for throwing a Frisbee or outdoor seating. In urban areas transients may seek shelter at night or during inclement weather.
The condo corporation has an obligation to ensure those on their property are “reasonably safe”. Trespassers on a condo property can be a legal liability to the condo corporation. They can cause damage to common areas or individual suites.
Individuals on condo property without a legal right to enter the property or refusing to leave when requested to do so is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 per the Trespass to Property Act – Section 2.
Proactive approaches to protecting the physical property include fences and landscaping that serve as a border to deter undesired access. Signs can be posted to identify prohibited activities such as skateboarding or soliciting. Ignoring these signs and refusing to leave a property is reason to contact police to have an individual removed. Security cameras can be helpful in identifying disruptive individuals. A letter can be sent to a known trespasser informing them that continued trespassing will result in police being contacted.
