New research from Forbes Inc. suggests that more than half (56%) of business owners surveyed in 2021 said the most popular way for their customers to contact them was by telephone, with call volumes increasing by 16% since 2019. Notwithstanding advancements in digital customer service communication, this suggests that people want the reassurance of a human voice at the other end of the line.

On June 2, 2022, the so-called “Right to Disconnect” law came into effect in Ontario. It was introduced as part of the Working for Workers Act, 2021, omnibus legislation focused on improving working conditions for workers. The “right to disconnect” provisions were aimed at enhancing work-life balance. But here’s the rub – the legislation does not actually provide a right to disengage from work-related communications in any workplace environment, including in condominiums.

Recently, on July 1, 2022, the laws in Ontario changed. A new Bill 88 – Working for Workers Act, 2022 – was introduced. Schedule 4 deals with significant changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Competition Bureau laid criminal conspiracy and fraud charges against three GTA refurbishment contractors and their owners. A fourth firm was charged with conspiracy offences under the Competition Act. The Bureau alleged that the accused parties conspired to commit fraud and rig bids for refurbishment contracts with GTA condominium corporations between 2009 and 2014. 

Which came first; good governance or the legal battle? Answer – most likely the legal battle since good governance will typically minimize or eliminate the legal action altogether.

In a recent decision, the Superior Court of Justice examined the serious repercussions that condominium corporations may face if they fail to respond and adequately address common element deficiency and noise-related complaints from unit owners in a timely manner which, in this case, went on for between 10 and 11 years.

Contacting a solicitor is necessary, but when? When is the right time for the property manager to recommend to condominium directors that they seek their solicitor’s opinion? There are no absolutes when it comes to this answer. However, this article will outline practical circumstances when the manager should be advising the directors to seek legal advice.

The Board of Directors has decided to attempt to enact a Standard Unit By-law for your condominium corporation based on the advice of your corporation’s legal counsel, insurance broker, and property manager. The by-law has been written, approved in a lawfully held board meeting, and is now up for a vote among the owners. After receiving the package in the mail, an owner asks the manager in a perplexed tone: “What does all this mean?”

When asked to describe what a property manager actually does on a day-to-day basis, it’s hard to explain the myriad of roles and versatility required. The reality is that the job may require a chameleon-like approach to challenges.

Many condominium communities have had to grapple – or are currently grappling - with residents with hoarding disorder. This has proved to be challenging in most cases, given the safety risks hoarding can pose to the community. And predictably, incidents of dangerous hoarding have only increased during the pandemic, as people with hoarding disorder have become more anxious and mental health supports have become less easy to access.

The last few years have been extremely challenging in many ways, especially as we have learned to adapt to a world turned upside down by Covid and how it has drastically changed our daily lives. Hopefully, one lesson we can take away from this is the importance of work/life balance.

I have been in the property management industry for 20 years, and I am an RCM and OLCM. I live with Complex PTSD, and this is my story.

Property Management can be a challenging job at the best of times, but with the pandemic and the associated increased stress of the past two years, the job often has been difficult for many managers. With an increasing number of young people and older retired people living in condominiums, there are two very different mental health issues staff and managers may find some of their residents trying to maneuver.

The increase in disputes and issues arising from, or exacerbated by, mental health issues has had – and continues to have – a powerful and negative impact on property managers, who are the direct interface between owners/occupants and boards of directors.

Condominium living can be a haven for seniors needing to down-size but are still active in their community, travelling or just enjoying all life offers. Although the owners and residents of condominiums vary, it is critical to identify all the needs of your community as a condominium manager.