Welcome to The Courtyards

Owners

Information for Owners

What the Condo Corporation Expects From You

Owning a condominium is not the same as owning a detached home. When you purchase a condo, you agree to live within a shared community governed by the Ontario Condominium Act, 1998, the Declaration, the By‑laws, and the Rules and Regulations of the corporation. These documents are legally binding on every owner — and on every tenant.

Your condo corporation depends on owners to follow the rules, respect the property, and maintain the common elements. When owners or tenants ignore these obligations, the entire community suffers. You can find out more about owning a condo here.

This page is a quick summary of what the corporation expects from every owner.

Your Responsibilities as a Condo Owner

1. Stay Informed and Participate

Owners are expected to:

• Attend and vote at owners' meetings (AGMs, special meetings, turnover meetings)
• Read and stay current on:
  • Financial statements and budgets
  • Status certificates
  • Meeting minutes
  • Rules and Regulations
  • Newsletters and notices from the Board and Property Manager

Being uninformed does not exempt an owner from responsibility.

2. Do Not Alter the Common Elements

This is one of the most important responsibilities you have as an owner.

Common elements include (but are not limited to):

• Building exteriors
• Garages (exclusive‑use common elements)
• Decks and patios (exclusive‑use common elements)
• Fences
• Walkways and roadways
• Landscaping and green spaces

You may not alter, modify, damage, paint, drill into, attach to, or replace anything on the common elements without written approval from the Board.

This includes:

• Adding lights, cameras, wiring, vents, or fixtures
• Changing landscaping
• Modifying decks or patios
• Installing anything on exterior walls
• Replacing doors, windows, or railings
• Pouring concrete or altering drainage

3. Maintain Your Unit

Owners must:

• Keep their unit in good repair
• Maintain all components assigned to the owner in the Declaration
• Follow all municipal, provincial, and federal codes and regulations

The corporation maintains the common elements; owners maintain their units.

4. Follow the Declaration, By‑laws, and Rules

The Act requires every owner to comply with all governing documents. This includes:

• Noise rules
• Parking rules. Refer to the parking rules for complete information.
• Waste and recycling procedures
• Restrictions on changes to common elements
• Pet rules

Failure to comply may result in chargebacks, compliance letters, legal action, or a lien on the unit. "I didn't know" is not a defence.

5. Pay Common Expenses (Fees)

Owners must:

• Pay monthly condo fees on time
• Pay special assessments if levied
• Cover any costs the corporation incurs due to their actions (damage, rule violations, etc.)

Under the Act, unpaid amounts may be collected as common expenses — including through a lien on the unit.

6. Respect the Common Elements

Owners must:

• Not damage or alter common elements
• Not store personal items on common elements unless specifically permitted
• Not create safety hazards
• Use common elements in a way that does not interfere with others

This includes proper use of parking areas, walkways, landscaping, and garbage and recycling areas. Garbage and litter issues affect everyone — owners are responsible for ensuring proper disposal.

7. Provide Access When Required

Owners must allow access to their unit when:

• The corporation needs to inspect, repair, or maintain common elements
• There is an emergency
• Work is required to prevent damage to other units

Reasonable notice is provided except in emergencies.

8. If You Rent Your Unit

Owners remain legally responsible for their tenants, their tenants' guests, and any damage or rule violations caused by them. Refer to the Landlords section of the website for more information.

9. Your Right to Use Common Elements

Owners may use common elements as long as they follow the rules, do not interfere with others' use, and do not alter or damage anything. This includes parking, walkways, decks, patios, and landscaped areas.

How the Condo Corporation Works

1. Board of Directors

The Board is elected by owners and must act honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of the corporation. The Board is responsible for:

• Managing the corporation
• Enforcing rules
• Maintaining common elements
• Preparing budgets and financial statements
• Hiring property management
• Ensuring compliance with the Act

2. Property Management

A licensed condominium manager handles day‑to‑day operations, communication with owners, maintenance coordination, rule enforcement, and record‑keeping and financial administration.

3. Reserve Fund

Every condominium must maintain a reserve fund to pay for major repairs and replacements of common elements. A professional Reserve Fund Study is required every three years.

Standard Practices in Ontario Condominiums

Across most condo communities, owners can expect:

• Reasonable noise levels
• Proper garbage and recycling disposal
• Strict enforcement of parking rules
• Pets allowed with restrictions
• Written approval required for exterior changes
• No storage on common elements
• Owners must maintain insurance for their unit and contents
• The corporation insures the building structure

What Owners Should Expect in a Well‑Run Condo

A healthy condominium community provides:

• Clear communication from the Board and management
• Predictable budgeting and transparent financial reporting
• Regular maintenance of common elements
• Fair and consistent rule enforcement
• Respectful neighbour relations
• A focus on safety, cleanliness, and long‑term planning

In Summary

Condo ownership combines private ownership with shared responsibility. Owners enjoy the benefits of community living — but must also follow the rules, maintain their unit, pay fees, and respect the common elements.

Do not alter the common elements. Follow the rules. These expectations apply to every owner, without exception.

Landlords

Landlord Responsibilities

WNCC 180 – Waterloo North Condominium Corporation #180

Renting out your unit, or part of your unit, is permitted, but it comes with legal obligations under:

• The Ontario Condominium Act, 1998
• The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)
• The Declaration, By‑laws, and Rules of WNCC 180 (found in the Resources section)
• Applicable City of Waterloo bylaws

As the landlord, you remain fully responsible for your tenants and their guests. All rule violations, damages, and costs are charged back to the unit owner — not the tenant.

This page is a quick summary of some of the responsibilities of a landlord. For full details, please read the official documentation from the relevant source (Condominium Act, Residential Tenancies Act, City of Waterloo bylaws, official WNCC 180 documents, etc.).

1. Requirements Under the Condominium Act (Section 83)

You Must Report Your Lease to the Corporation

Within 10 days of entering into a lease, you must provide the corporation with:

• Written notice that the unit has been leased
• The tenant's full name(s)
• The start date of the tenancy
• Your mailing address and contact information
• A copy of the lease or the Ontario Standard Lease summary page

You must also notify the corporation within 10 days when:

• The lease is renewed
• The tenant moves out
• Your contact information changes

2. Requirements Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

Under the RTA, landlords must provide tenants with:

a. The Ontario Standard Form of Lease

Mandatory for most rentals. This includes:

• Rent amount
• Utilities included or excluded
• Rules about the unit
• Responsibilities of both parties

b. The "Information for New Tenants" Brochure

This is a mandatory provincial form that explains tenant rights and responsibilities. Landlords must give this form to tenants within 21 days of the tenancy starting.

c. A Summary of Utilities and Services

You must clearly state:

• What utilities are included
• What utilities the tenant must pay
• Any additional service fees

d. The Condo's Governing Documents

The RTA requires landlords to provide tenants with any rules that affect their tenancy. This includes:

• The Rules and Regulations
• Relevant sections of the Declaration
• Relevant By‑laws
• Any current policies or notices

Tenants must understand the rules before moving in. Tenants cannot follow rules they have never received. Landlords who fail to provide these documents remain responsible for all violations. The corporation charges owners, not tenants.

3. Tenants Must Follow All Condo Rules — and You Are Responsible

Tenants must comply with all governing documents exactly as owners do. This includes:

• Noise rules
• Parking rules. Refer to the parking rules for complete information.
• Garbage and recycling procedures
• Pet rules
• Use of common elements, exclusive-use decks, patios, and garages
• Absolutely no alterations to common elements
• Proper storage and maintenance expectations

If your tenant breaks a rule:

• You, the owner, receive the violation notice
• You must correct the issue
• You pay all chargebacks, repairs, and legal costs

The corporation does not pursue tenants directly.

4. Do Not Allow Tenants to Alter the Common Elements

This is one of the most common and costly problems in rental-heavy condos.

Tenants may not:

• Install, attach, modify, or alter anything that is not part of the unit. The exterior of the building (door, brick, siding, gardens, etc.), deck, patio, and garage are common elements — not part of the unit. The deck, patio, and garage are common elements for the personal use of the unit owner.
• Change landscaping without written permission from the Board
• Attach anything to exterior walls, fences, or railings
• Store items on common elements unless explicitly permitted in the official documents
• Damage or alter any shared property

5. Garbage, Recycling, and Cleanliness

Landlords must ensure tenants understand:

• Where garbage goes
• When garbage and recycling may be placed outside
• That decks, patios, and common areas are not storage or garbage areas
• That littering results in clean-up charges

Owners are charged for all clean-up costs caused by their tenants.

6. Parking Rules Must Be Followed

Landlords must ensure tenants understand:

• Garages are the primary parking space
• Only one additional vehicle may be parked in the common parking area with a parking pass (if space is available)
• All vehicles must be registered with the Property Manager
• Visitor parking in the common parking is only permitted while visitors are on the premises, and must be registered
• Courtyards are for short-term loading/unloading only — vehicles left unattended in the courtyards may be ticketed or towed

Refer to the parking rules for complete information. Violations may result in tickets, towing, fines from the condominium, and chargebacks to the owner.

7. Unit Maintenance Requirements

Even if you do not live in the unit, you must ensure:

• The unit is kept in good repair
• Smoke alarms and CO detectors are functional
• Plumbing and electrical systems are used properly
• The unit does not cause damage to neighbouring units

If your tenant causes damage due to neglect or misuse, you are responsible.

8. Access Requirements

Landlords must ensure tenants allow access for:

• Repairs to common elements
• Inspections
• Emergency entry
• Work required to prevent damage

If a tenant refuses access, the owner must resolve the issue immediately.

9. City of Waterloo Requirements

The City of Waterloo has additional rules for rental properties. Landlords must comply with:

a. Waterloo Rental Housing Licensing Bylaw

Most rental units require a licence unless exempt.

b. Property Standards Bylaw

Units must meet minimum standards for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.

c. Nuisance Bylaw

Covers bodily emissions in public places, public disturbances and environmental nuisances, littering, dumping and property interference, obstruction of public spaces, and nuisance parties.

d. Noise Bylaw

Covers noise, sound level limits, and enforcement powers and penalties.

10. In Summary — Your Responsibilities as a Landlord

You must:

• Report your lease to the corporation
• Provide tenants with all required RTA documents
• Provide tenants with all condo rules
• Ensure tenants follow all rules
• Prevent alterations to common elements
• Ensure proper garbage and recycling practices
• Ensure parking rules are followed
• Maintain your unit
• Provide access when required
• Comply with City of Waterloo rental bylaws

Tenants

Tenant Guide

Information for Tenants and Other Non‑Owner Occupants at WNCC 180

Welcome to WNCC 180.

This community is a condominium, not an apartment building. That means the property is owned and maintained by the people who live here, and everyone must follow the same rules to keep the community safe, clean, and enjoyable.

Whether you are a long‑term tenant, a student renter, or staying temporarily, you are required to follow all condominium rules. Your landlord is responsible for making sure you understand them — but once you live here, you must follow them.

This guide explains the most important things you need to know.

1. You Must Follow All Condo Rules

Condo rules are not optional. They apply to everyone — owners, tenants, guests, and visitors.

You must follow rules about:

• Noise
• Parking
• Garbage and recycling
• Pets
• Use of decks, patios, and garages
• Respecting neighbours
• Safety and cleanliness

If you break the rules:

• Your landlord is notified
• Your landlord is charged for any costs
• Your landlord may take action under your lease

Repeated violations can result in fines, chargebacks, legal action, or eviction (through your landlord).

2. Do Not Alter the Property — Ever

This is the most important rule for residents.

You are not allowed to change, modify, attach, install, or alter anything outside your unit. This includes:

• No lights, cameras, or wiring
• No drilling or attaching anything to walls, fences, or railings
• No painting or staining
• No changes to decks or patios
• No landscaping or digging
• No storage of items outside your unit
• No adding furniture or items to common areas

If you alter or damage the property:

• The corporation will repair it
• Your landlord will be charged
• You may be held responsible under your lease

3. Garbage and Recycling Rules

Garbage and recycling must be placed only in the designated areas and only at the correct times.

You must:

• Put garbage inside the garbage bin (not beside it)
• Do not fill the garbage bin above the top of the bin
• Break down and recycle cardboard
• Keep decks and patios free of garbage
• Never leave bags outside your door
• Never litter — including cigarette butts

The garbage bin in the garbage shed is for regular household waste from the current occupants of 250 Keats Way only. Do not put electronic waste, hazardous materials, renovation waste, furniture or other large items in the garbage bin. These types of waste can be dropped off at the Waterloo Waste Management site: 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2, Waterloo, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If garbage is left out improperly, the corporation charges your landlord for cleanup, and your landlord may charge you.

4. Noise Expectations

WNCC 180 is a quiet community with shared walls and courtyards. Noise travels easily.

You must:

• Keep noise to a reasonable level at all times
• Avoid loud music, shouting, or gatherings outside
• Move parties inside the unit
• Keep balconies and patios quiet
• Ensure guests follow noise rules

If neighbours complain, the corporation may involve your landlord, property management, or Waterloo Regional Police (for bylaw violations).

5. Parking Rules

Parking rules are strictly enforced. Tenants must:

• Have your landlord register any vehicles with the Property Manager
• Park their first vehicle in their unit garage — a second vehicle may be parked in the common parking area with a parking pass
• Never park in courtyards except for loading/unloading — cars left unattended may be ticketed or towed at your expense
• Never block emergency access routes

Refer to the parking rules Violations may result in tickets, towing, fines from the condominium, and chargebacks to your landlord.

6. Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Spaces

These areas are exclusive‑use common elements, meaning you may use them but do not own them.

You must:

• Only use seasonal furniture
• Not store items outside
• Not place mats, carpets, or anything that traps water
• Not hang items on railings
• Keep the area clean and tidy

You may not:

• Install anything
• Paint or modify anything
• Add plants that damage surfaces

7. Pets

Pets are allowed with restrictions. You must:

• Clean up after your pet immediately
• Keep pets under control
• Ensure pets do not disturb neighbours
• Follow all pet rules provided by your landlord

Aggressive or disruptive pets may be required to leave the property.

8. Respect Your Neighbours

This is a shared community. Residents are expected to:

• Be courteous
• Keep noise down
• Avoid blocking walkways
• Keep common areas clean
• Follow all posted signs and instructions

9. Safety and Access

You must allow access to your unit when:

• The corporation needs to inspect or repair something
• There is an emergency
• Work is required to prevent damage

You must also:

• Keep smoke alarms and CO detectors functional
• Report leaks or damage to your landlord immediately

10. Who to Contact

• Maintenance inside your unit: Contact your landlord
• Rule questions or parking registration: Your landlord must contact the Property Manager
• Emergencies: Call 911
• Noise or disturbance issues: Waterloo Regional Police non‑emergency line

11. Your Landlord Should Provide

• A copy of your lease with using the Ontario Standard Form of Lease
• The "Information for New Tenants" Brochure
• A Summary of Utilities and Services
• The condo's governing documents: Declaration, By-laws, Rules and Regulations, and current policies or notices. These can be found in the Resources section of this website.

12. Useful Links

• Residential Tenancies Act
• Landlord and Tenant Board

In Summary

As a tenant of WNCC 180, you must:

• Follow all condo rules
• Respect the property
• Keep noise reasonable
• Dispose of garbage properly
• Park only where permitted
• Keep decks and patios clear
• Never alter the common elements
• Respect your neighbours

Living Here

Information for Residents

Living at The Courtyards

1. Rules and Regulations

Refer to the Rules and Regulations for complete information. Violations may result in fines from the condominium, and chargebacks to the owner for remediation.

2. Parking

Refer to the parking rules for complete information. Violations may result in tickets, towing, fines from the condominium, and chargebacks to the owner.

3. Visitor Parking

Register a Visitor Vehicle →

4. Garbage

• Garbage goes in the large bin inside the Garbage Shed. The garbage shed is located in the middle of the complex.
• Garbage is normally picked up on Mondays and Thursdays. There may be changes due to weather or maintenance.
• Do not fill the garbage bin above the top of the bin. We are charged extra for overloaded bins. If the bin is full, keep the garbage in your unit until the bin is emptied.
• Put garbage inside the bin (not beside it or outside the shed)
• The garbage bin in the garbage shed is for regular household waste from the current occupants of 250 Keats Way only.
• Do not put electronic waste, hazardous materials, renovation waste, furniture or other large items in the garbage bin. These types of waste can be dropped off at the Waterloo Waste Management site: 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2, Waterloo, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If garbage is left out improperly, the corporation charges owners for cleanup.

5. Recycling

• Recycling pickup is on Thursdays.
• Recycling bins should not be put out before 5 p.m. the day before collection. The bins should be collected by 9 a.m. the day after collection day. Make sure to clean up stray recycling after collection.
• Do not overfill your bins. Loose recycling get blown away and creates litter. Stuff your recycling into the bin so it is secure. Get more bins if needed.
• Place the recycling bins at the curb or on the grass for pickup. Keep recycling bins off the gardens.
• Rinse containers before putting in the recycling bin.
• Flatten cardboard. Bundle and tie cardboard and place on top of the recycling bin.
• Put only recycling in the bins. Check here for accepted materials
• No hazards. Keep household hazardous waste such as batteries, and sharps out of recycling.

Resources

Resources & Documents

Key governing documents, financial records, meeting minutes, newsletters, and forms are listed below. PDF files open in a new tab. To request a Status Certificate or an official document not listed here, contact the condo manager.

Visitor Parking

Visitor Parking Registration

All visitor vehicles must be registered before parking in the common parking area. Complete the form below to submit your registration. This form sends the information to your email program to send.

Owners

Owner Information Update

This form should be filled out by the owner only. The information provided will replace any contact information currently on file with Wilson Blanchard Management Inc. where discrepancies exist. Once submitted, your email program will open with the completed form addressed to kwinfo@wilsonblanchard.com.

Landlords

Landlord Information Update

Use this form to notify Wilson Blanchard Management of a tenancy and to confirm that required documents have been provided to your tenants and to the corporation. Once submitted, your email program will open with the completed form addressed to kwinfo@wilsonblanchard.com. Attach copies of any required documents to that email before sending.