One mistake people make when moving into a condominium is thinking because they own the unit, they can do whatever they want. The truth is that each condominium association has certain rules concerning things that you can do, especially when it pertains to outside structures such as satellite dishes.

For example, unlike with a single family home, you do not own the ground or anything beyond the walls that surround your individual unit. Therefore, you do not have the right to put up any outside structures.

In some cases, you may be protected by law such as FCC regulations that prevent restrictions for satellite dishes within areas used solely by the owner or tenant of a unit. Thus, if you have a balcony, FCC regulations protect you. That doesn’t mean you can put up an oversized dish, but you can install a regular sized dish. You want to make sure before you buy a condominium what the rules and regulations are of the association and just what you are allowed to do.

Keep in mind that condo living is similar to apartment living, and as such you have to be considerate of the needs of your neighbors. You may be restricted in terms of parties, at least noisy parties, if your neighbors go to bed early or are retired.

If you think you can outsmart the rules of the condominium association, you are looking for trouble. Remember, when you move in, you have to join the associations, and you have to agree to follow the rules and regulations. If the rules say you can only have a small dog, and you bring a German Shepherd, even though the inside structure is yours, if there are rules limiting the size, you can be forced to get rid of the dog or be forced to move even though you own your unit.

Reasons such as these are why not everyone is suited to condominium living, and if you want space that is totally yours, you may want to consider a single family home or townhouse. Though there are still restrictions based on zoning laws or homeowners’ associations, they are not nearly as restrictive as those you will face in a condominium.

Many ask, “How can they tell me what I can do when I own my unit?” The reasoning is simple: you only own what is between the inner walls, not the building or the grounds. Those are common areas, and members of the association (like yourself) vote on things that will be allowed and any changes to existing rules must be voted upon by the membership. In fact, in smaller complexes, the owners may share the grounds keeping chores instead of hiring a gardener. Likewise, if you want to hang a fifty-foot billboard inside your unit, no one can stop you because that part of the building belongs solely to you. If you make the choice to live in a condominium, you have to be willing to follow the rules that are set down by the association and its membership.