Written by Shlomo Sharon | 03 November 2001

The Toronto Star − Condo Living Section
Condo Living sent the following question to Shlomo Sharon, President, Taft Forward Property Management Group

Question

I am a member of a condominium board of directors. Our complex consists of two high-rise towers with a common gatehouse manned with a security guard at all times. During most evenings there are two guards on duty.

For the past couple of years we have experienced numerous incidents of poor quality service from the guards. I feel the security company in an effort to maximize profits, is employing individuals who can't follow even simple tasks, such as making sure visitors are announced to the resident or seeing infractions around the complex on the video system.

The turnover of guards (due to low wages, I assume) is very large; most guards don't last more than a couple of months. Could the condominium corporation be held civilly liable if a resident or visitor is attacked and injured and it can be proved that the level of security was lacking?

It is my belief that if we terminated our contract with the security company, we could afford to hire private security at a better rate of pay, better qualified and with a lower turnover rate. When I suggested doing this at a budget meeting the property manager quickly responded it was not a good idea and would cost more. Could you give me your opinion?

Read more...