The benefits and advantages of condominium don't just happen spontaneously. Nor are they provided by some public trustee or curator. They involve the conscious, contracted sharing of common property and resources. In fact, every project should be regarded as a private, shared-property business directly owned and operated by the unit-holder community.

Successful condominium communities are run in an efficient business-like fashion. To assist in achieving that goal, all the unit owners are voting members of a project's administrative machinery — the condominium corporation (or syndicat in Quebec).

The corporation is responsible for enforcing by-laws and managing the common property. The elected executive of every condominium is its board of managers. Under the various condominium Acts, the board (or council in BC) has authority to exercise the power and duties of the corporation, subject to restrictions imposed or direction given at a general meeting.

Condominium management typically involves three categories of activity.

ADMINISTRATIVE
Maintain records
File documents
Plan and organize meetings
Prepare/deliver notices, agendas
Regulate business, take minutes, record votes
Prepare reports/estoppels
Handle correspondence
Produce newsletters
Secure and maintain insurance
Negotiate service contracts

PHYSICAL
Inspect property
Maintain common property, structure/grounds,  utilities/amenities
Repair or replace damage
Hire and supervise staff
Administer service contracts
Schedule and inspect work

FINANCIAL
Develop operating and reserve budgets
Assess and notify owners
Collect and bank funds
Maintain proper records
Disburse funds
Prepare financial statements
Assist auditors

The board of a condominium is responsible for developing and setting policies, and for establishing operating procedures. It is the professional manager, if employed, who implements them.