Angie Sharma started decorating her condo a little early. Like many condo dwellers, Sharma made her home a little more festive by putting up a wreath on her front door.
But not long after the wreath went up, Sharma received a letter asking her to take it down.
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"The letter is quite aggressive in nature. It makes me feel like I’m some sort of delinquent when I’ve had one for five years with no such notice," Sharma tells Toronto Storeys.
Photo courtesy of Angie Sharma
Sharma says, the letter came as a bit of a shock since she's noticed a lot of decorated doors in her condo. To make matters worse, she didn't understand why it wasn't permitted.
So, she took to Facebook where fellow residents tried to draw their own conclusions. Despite coming up with a handful of possible explanations, residents seemed to agree that the most logical reason is that decorations in common areas could become a fire hazard.
READ: Christmas Decor And Real Estate Can Make Surprisingly Good Bedfellows
Provided that is the reason, Sharma says she understands and accepts the notice, she just wishes the letter clearly stated the reason and she hopes it's administered to all residents since it's only fair that all condo owners in Toronto abide by the same rule.
But the rules aren't the same across the city. Permission to decorate common elements (including doors and balconies) is subject to approval from individual condominium corporation’s board of directors. Even condos that permit decor may have restrictions on the types of decorations and adhesives used on common elements.
READ: Twigs And Sprigs — How To Forage Your Own Winter Home Decor
So, to be safe (and to avoid a nasty letter from your board) be sure to get permission before decorating your door.
For Sharma, the newly enforced rule has little impact on her holiday spirit. It just means she won't have a wreath this year.
At the time of publishing, the condo board had yet to confirm the real reason the letter was sent.
