Words (Core Vocabulary)
- strata / condo (apartment ownership model) / strata council / board
- property management company / building manager
- bylaws / house rules / policies
- AGM (annual general meeting) / meeting minutes
- strata fees / special levy / budget
- notice / bulletin / memo / elevator notice / email blast
- amenities – gym, pool, lounge, rooftop, guest suite
- quiet hours / noise complaint
- move-in / move-out booking / elevator reservation / move fee
- parcel locker / package room / delivery policy
- FOB / access card / key deposit
- visitor parking / permit / time limit
- waste / recycling / compost / sorting
- bylaw violation / fine / appeal
- pet registration / size limit / leash policy
- short-term rental policy
Phrases (Read, ask, comply)
Reading & confirming notices
- Per the notice posted in the lobby, the water will be shut off on Friday from 9–12.
- Is the gym closed during the fire alarm testing tomorrow?
- Could you confirm whether visitor parking requires a permit?
Bylaws & rules
- As per the bylaws, quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Where can I find the current bylaws and meeting minutes?
- Do I need to register my pet with management?
Moves & amenities
- I’d like to book the elevator for move-in on [date].
- Is there a move fee or deposit? What time slots are available?
- How do I reserve the amenity room for a birthday?
Issues & fines
- I received a bylaw violation notice—could we discuss the details?
- I’d like to appeal the fine—what’s the process?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Notice reply: Hi, thanks for the notice about the water shut-off. Could you confirm if laundry rooms are affected?
- Bylaws: Hello, where can I access the latest bylaws and minutes online?
- Elevator booking: Hi, I’d like to book the elevator for Saturday 9–12. Is there a move fee, and do you need a damage deposit?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Governance & docs
- review the bylaws
- read the minutes
- contact the property manager
- attend the AGM
- update your contact info
Notices & operations
- post a notice
- circulate a memo
- shut off the water
- test the fire alarm
- close an amenity
Compliance & issues
- follow the rules
- book the elevator
- obtain a permit
- register a pet
- issue a violation
- appeal a fine
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Strata/condo communities rely on bylaws—they’re public to owners and often shared with residents/tenants.
- Quiet hours and move bookings are strictly observed; polite emails and advance notice help everything run smoothly.
- Notices are often posted in elevators/lobbies and emailed—check regularly to avoid surprises.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Notice check: “Per the notice, the elevators will be down for maintenance 1–3 p.m. Is stairwell access open?”
- Rule confirmation: “As per the bylaws, are pets allowed in common areas if leashed?”
- Appeal: “I’d like to appeal the noise fine—could we review the details and recordings?”