August 1, 2019 By Home Buying Manager Off

Opinion: Condo/Strata Bylaws and Rental Restrictions

It is always better for the owners if the Strata is silent on anything that restricts the owners ability to manage the activities in their own unit. That includes restrictions on renting, age etc. Restrictions of this kind reduce the resale potential and the possible options there are for resale or receiving income to cover costs if it cannot be sold. This is good for all the owners whether they know it or not. There will come a time when the owner has to sell or rent their unit, and any restrictions can make that harder. Leaving the Strata silent on renting or leasing does not release the obligations of the owner or any tenant to respect the bylaws and rules of the Strata. 
The same applies for any extra restrictions on short term or Airbnb rentals for the same reasons above. We have multiple Airbnb properties and I can tell you that Airbnb guests are far better tenants than regular longer term tenants. 
It is better not to over-restrict the owners use of the units as this will come back to bite owners later. Add as many restrictions as you like on  the management of the Strata, but leave the owners to manage what goes on inside their own units.