The Power of Accountability: How Fines Can Drive Change

Have you ever been in a situation where someone's behavior consistently caused frustration and inconvenience, but nothing seemed to change? I recently encountered such a scenario while managing a strata. It taught me a valuable lesson about the power of accountability.

In one of the strata units there was a young man who loved to party. Despite numerous complaints from other owners over the years, his behavior remained unchanged. Apologies would come and go, but the disruptive parties persisted. It was time for a different approach.

Following the strata council's protocols, the strata council decided to fine him for his repeated infractions. I sent him a bylaw infraction notice and communicated the council's decisions through the meeting minutes. Transparency was key. Everyone needed to know that the strata council was taking action on complaints and that bylaws couldn't be skirted without consequences.

But it didn't stop there. I challenged him to apologize to everyone at the upcoming general meeting. To my surprise, he showed up, genuinely apologized, and promised to refrain from hosting any further parties. The atmosphere shifted in the room as reconciliation filled the air. It was a turning point.

After the meeting, he approached me, asking if the fine could be removed. I saw this as an opportunity for him to demonstrate his commitment and make amends to his fellow owners. I suggested that he pay the fine as a gesture of good faith and recompense for the annoyance he had caused over the years. To my delight, he agreed. From that point on, there were no more complaints from other owners.

This experience highlighted the importance of accountability and following through on fines. 

In another instance, when I took over the management of a large inner city strata, I discovered that fines had never been enforced. By not holding owners accountable for their actions, the same problems persisted for years, causing distress and compromising the safety and well-being of residents.

One particular case involved a woman addicted to drugs, whose disruptive behavior had been a constant source of turmoil and property damage. The council would threaten fines, but they were always retracted after her mother's apologies. This cycle of bylaw infractions, traumatized neighbors, compromised safety, property damage and council interventions had endured several years.

Determined to resolve this long-standing situation, I advised the strata council to follow through on the fines, documenting each infraction, fine amount, and strata lot number in the minutes. The impact was profound. Within a few months, the owner handed over the unit to her mother and entered rehab. The fines were paid, damages were repaired, and peace was restored to the building.

This story underscores the transformative power of accountability. When individuals are held responsible for their actions, real change can occur. By documenting fines and making them public knowledge, we create a culture of responsibility, transparency and respect within our communities.

So, the next time you find yourself confronted with a recurring problem, consider the power of accountability. Don't shy away from enforcing fines and standing up for what is right. By doing so, you can create a positive and harmonious environment for everyone involved.

Remember, change starts with accountability. Let's build a future where our actions have consequences and our communities thrive.