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To live together...

To live together...

Recent developments in the real-estate world show us that we have a strong interest in community life. Indeed, in recent years the number of constructions of buildings with multiple occupants have experienced unprecedented growth. Whereas before these types of buildings were mainly related to the world of the residential rental industry we now see several properties being build of the same type that are now held by co-owners.

In this life where we share our resources to take advantage of the benefits of larger buildings one should not forget an essential component: this communal life requires us to be tolerant.

Indeed, we often have a tendency to act in a building with multiple dwelling units in the same way as if we were in a one-family home.

Several advantages are associated with the pooling of resources: in particular the price, the location, the services provided, etc... Another of the advantages of living in a multi-apartment building is certainly the close contact with our neighbors. In some cases, however, this living more closely to our neighbors can become difficult to bear when we exercise intolerance.

To be happy and to stay happy in this type of situation there must be a balance between the limits that we must impose on ourselves and the tolerance that we need to adopt in our relations with the other occupants of the building.

I should therefore, as an occupant, for example, restrain the volume of my audio and video equipment of which I am very much aware that this may affect the tranquility of my neighbors. I will also certainly have to expect some inconveniences to which I should be tolerant.

One of the situations in which we need to show a lot of tolerance is the one linked to the presence of children. As a society we must realize that the presence of children is as equally wonderful as it is essential. It is normal that during the growth stages of our children some of our habits or our peace may be affected. Whether one is an owner or a tenant in a building with multiple dwellings, it is essential to demonstrate tolerance towards what children necessarily and normally generate in the various stages of their growth.

When recently in a building with multiple dwellings one of the occupants found on her return a statement on her door that required her to silence her newly-born child whose weeping was disturbing one of the neighbors it seems, I felt concern for the future of our society.

I am not saying here that we must tolerate all behavior in all situations. I argue, however, that we must be tolerant of the normal inconveniences associated with living together. To live together, we must be tolerant.

About the author

Martin A. Messier

Me Martin A. Messier a fait ses études au Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf avant de continuer ses études en droit à l'Université de Montréal. Il est membre du Barreau du Québec depuis 1992, et œuvre auprès des propriétaires de logements locatifs depuis 1993.

Il est entre autres président de l'Association des propriétaires du Québec, propriétaire d'une compagnie de gestion immobilière. Il est fréquemment invité comme conférencier dans le cadre de conférences et de séminaires juridiques et de gestion portant sur le louage immobilier.

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