Friday July 26, 2024
The allure of high-rise living, with its abundant amenities, concierge services, prime locations, and distinct culture, attracts numerous individuals. Yet, it's essential to note that this lifestyle carries its own set of unique challenges. The proximity of neighbors and the necessity for shared respect can occasionally instigate disagreements and tension. It's in these instances that community policies become crucial, ensuring harmony and order within the residential complex.
“Part of the draw for high-rise living is the diverse cultural experience of an urban neighborhood,” said Andrew Schlegel, CMCA, EVP at FirstService Residential High-Rise Management Division. “But bringing together a diverse group of people introduces an array of varying opinions, lifestyles and ways of conducting oneself. This can be a great thing, but to prevent the potential negative effects of natural differences, specific policies are a necessity for the association.”
What are community policies?
Keeping that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the areas where concrete policies can help create order within a high-rise building.1. Smoking – Yes? No? Restricted?
The dangers of smoking are indisputable. It stands as the paramount cause of preventable death across the United States and Canada. However, the increased risk of fire presents a more immediate peril, particularly for high-rise building inhabitants. This is one of many compelling reasons why a growing number of buildings are transitioning to a smoke-free environment. It's a move worth contemplating if you haven't already.But how do you get there without potentially upsetting residents? Just take it step-by-step:
A) Form a committee to explore the issue (include owners and board members), and review public health data and research from medical professionals.
B) Seek feedback from your residents via a simple online survey. Ask them how they feel about a smoke-free environment and if they’ve experienced second-hand smoke. Ask them if they’ve seen cigarette butts or burn marks in common areas.
C) Review your governing documents to see what it takes to officially implement this policy, and communicate it clearly to your residents.
2. Pets – Yes or No? Some? What kinds? How big?
Every individual has a pet that fits their personality, yet not every animal is suited for high-rise living. The absence of pet guidelines in your governing documents calls for the creation of detailed community policies. These community policies should specify the acceptable types of pets, to ensure harmony in high-rise environments. Criteria such as type of animal, size, and weight should be included in these policies.
The crucial aspect here revolves around effective communication - it's essential that all the residents are well-informed about the regulations to aid compliance. Don't forget to consider logical exemptions, like accommodating non-compliant pets that were already in the premises. Furthermore, it's important to remember that federal law mandates the accommodation of all service animals at no extra charge to the owner.
3. Flooring – No one wants to hear their neighbors.
The majority of disputes with neighbors are likely due to one main factor: noise. Addressing this issue can be done via regulations on quiet hours and controlling levels of music or TV noise. However, the real trouble emerges when the root cause of the noise is the flooring itself.
Some flooring materials make every step sound like a thunderclap, which can make life unbearable for people living downstairs. So, what to do? If your governing documents or architectural guidelines don’t already address this, draft a policy that clearly outlines which types of flooring are acceptable and which ones aren’t.
For board members eager to implement viable flooring guidelines, enlisting the help of skilled architects and acousticians is paramount. Their professional insights go beyond simply defining suitable flooring options, but also extend to best practices for sound minimization. Further, your comprehensive community policies should incorporate specifics about the construction approval process and the qualifications of those permitted to carry out the work. The majority of associations mandate that any modifications to units must be executed by a contractor who is both licensed and insured. Always refer to your association's regulations for detailed information.
Clearly communicate the new rules to your residents, and you’re on your way to having a flooring policy that keeps the building quiet and fellow neighbors happy.
4. Short-Term Rentals – Yes? No? On a limited basis?
The “sharing” economy is growing, but allowing owners to rent their units on a daily or weekly basis through online sites like Airbnb might not always be a good fit for your high-rise community.
Short-term lease holders do not typically undergo the same thorough screening that long-term community residents do. This could lead to a lack of knowledge regarding fire safety regulations and other community safety protocols, posing a potential risk during emergencies. Conversely, property owners residing in popular holiday locations may desire to lease out their spaces during their absence. This approach not only provides the owners with extra revenue but also enhances property values by making their unit more appealing to prospective buyers seeking to earn from their assets. Conduct a survey amongst your residents before crafting an appropriate short-term leasing policy for your community.
If your community chooses to ban short-term rentals, don’t be afraid to enforce compliance with penalties. Likewise, create procedures that prevent unauthorized people from entering the premises, and document those instances when they occur. As with all policies, open communication with residents is the key to successful implementation.
There is no doubt these can be tough issues to tackle. But seeking the help of a knowledgeable high-rise management company can help you find clarity, develop a policy and achieve the kind of harmony that defines a great high-rise community. For additional help defining and implementing policy for your high-rise building, contact FirstService Residential, California’s leading property management company.