June 2022
Among reasons to serve as a condo director is a desire to protect one’s home or investment. Most condo directors are residents or owners in their condominium corporation.
Separating the business of condominium management from personal interests becomes more difficult when family members sit on the same condo board. Loyalty among familial board members can cause divided loyalties. Even when not the case, the perception is difficult to avoid.
Board members who are related can lead to a concentration of authority. This can occur when individuals residing in the same household are elected as directors. It may arise when family members owning and residing in different households are elected as directors. Few communities consider a scenario where a single family constitutes a majority of directors because they own multiple units in a community.
Family dynamics and conflict can cause directors to act in ways inconsistent with community interests. Spouses may operate as a voting block to support each other, family members or a private agenda. While this may be entirely legal, it is not a good idea. Another concern is family members discussing condo business over dinner. If they constitute quorum it becomes a board meeting where decisions can be made in the absence of other directors.
There are few regulations to prevent this. Section 29 of the Condo Act has certain requirements for directors, none of which relate to family relationships. Additional requirements may be imposed by a condominium corporation.
