A guide to condo bylaws: Everything you need to know

Bylaws serve as the backbone of how a condominium association operates, governs itself, and makes decisions. Whether you’re serving on the board, considering purchasing a unit, or managing a property, knowing how condo bylaws work can help you navigate responsibilities and support the long-term success of your building.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the current and updated fundamentals of condo bylaws, what they typically include, and what they govern. We’ll also explain how bylaws differ from rules and regulations, and what may happen when bylaws are not followed.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their community’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

What are condo bylaws?

Condo bylaws are the foundational legal documents that generally dictate how a condominium association operates. They are typically created by the developer during the initial stages of the community and are passed to the community once it's established. These bylaws are not optional; they are legally binding and apply to every unit owner and board member within the community.

Think of condo bylaws as the association's operational blueprint. They outline how decisions are made, how leaders are elected, how meetings are run, and how assessments are calculated and collected. In most states or provinces, bylaws must comply with specific legal standards, which can vary by jurisdiction.

The language of bylaws is usually formal, since they serve as a legal document that governs the association's internal operations. However, while their tone may be formal, their impact is direct: bylaws affect everyday community life and provide structure to what can otherwise feel like a complex environment.
 

What do condo bylaws include?

Condo bylaws tend to follow a similar structure across most communities. While the exact provisions can vary based on state or provincial laws, association type, and development history, they often address similar areas:

• Membership and voting: Bylaws typically define who is considered a member of the association (usually all unit owners) and describe voting rights. They outline procedures for electing board members, setting term limits, and removing or replacing directors when necessary.
   
• Meetings: Bylaws describe how and when meetings are held, including annual meetings, notice requirements, quorum rules, and procedures for member participation.
   
• Board duties and authority: From managing finances to hiring vendors, the board’s responsibilities are laid out clearly in the bylaws. They also define the number of board members and officer positions, as well as the process for decision-making.
   
• Assessments: Bylaws include procedures for collecting monthly dues and levying special assessments. This section often describes how assessments are calculated, due dates, late fees, and any escalation policies.
   
• Recordkeeping: Requirements for keeping financial records, minutes, and other association documents are usually included, along with member rights to access those records, subject to applicable laws.
   
• Maintenance and repairs: The bylaws may spell out how maintenance responsibilities are divided between unit owners and the association. This can include common elements such as hallways, roofs, elevators, and landscaping.

Additional provisions may cover the appointment of committees, the use of proxies during votes, or guidelines for resolving disputes between residents and the board. In newer communities, bylaws often reflect more modern operational expectations, such as remote meeting protocols or digital recordkeeping practices.
 

Condo bylaws vs. rules and regulations

Bylaws are the internal governance documents of the association. They dictate how the organization is structured and how decisions are made. They typically require a vote of the membership (sometimes a supermajority) to amend and are often more difficult to change.

Rules and regulations, on the other hand, focus on day-to-day behavior and expectations for residents. These can cover things like quiet hours, amenity usage, parking assignments, or balcony decor. While rules must align with the governing documents and applicable laws, they are usually adopted or amended by the board without needing a vote of the full membership.

Put simply: bylaws govern the board, and rules govern the residents.
Both are essential to the smooth operation of a condo community, and a clear understanding of how they interact can help prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
 

What happens if condo bylaws are violated?

Because bylaws are legal documents, violating them may have serious consequences for both residents and the board. However, enforcement should always be handled with fairness, consistency, and legal compliance.

In many cases, a violation begins with a written notice. The board (or management company) will notify the unit owner of the issue, refer to the specific bylaw in question, and give a timeline for correction. If the matter isn’t resolved, follow-up steps may include additional notices, fines, or even legal action, subject to what the bylaws and applicable laws permit.

It’s important to note that the board also has a responsibility to follow the bylaws. For instance, if the bylaws require a vote of the membership to approve a special assessment, the board cannot bypass that requirement.

Working with an experienced property management company like FirstService Residential can help prevent these issues by offering operational guidance, legal coordination, and communication strategies that keep your community on solid ground.
 

How FirstService Residential supports compliance and clarity

Navigating condo bylaws is not just about legal compliance — it’s about effective, thoughtful community leadership. That’s why many associations choose to partner with FirstService Residential.

As the leading authority in residential high-rise, condo, co-op, HOA management, and more, FirstService Residential understands the intricate needs of community leaders and residents when it comes to bylaws. The company collaborates with over 37,000 board and strata council members across the United States and Canada.

We work closely with boards to support:

• Interpreting and applying bylaws in accordance with local laws and community values
   
• Training for new board members on governing documents
   
• Reviewing and recommending updates to outdated or incomplete bylaws
   
• Facilitating communication between boards and homeowners on changes or enforcement

In our experience managing thousands of communities nationwide, clear bylaws often contribute to confident boards and well-informed residents. When bylaws are consistently applied and well understood, communities tend to be more organized, transparent, and financially sound.

Whether your board is newly formed, revisiting outdated bylaws, or working to improve operational consistency, we can help simplify property management and offer industry guidance every step of the way. Contact a member of our team today.