An advice column where you can ask any question or share a difficult situation relating to condominium management anonymously, and we will endeavour to find an appropriate expert in the field and publish an answer with some advice. Ask the hard questions you may have been afraid to ask for fear of repercussions. Your full name or company will never be published or shared.

The origin of any CAT proceeding can be unpredictable: from trivial records disputes to enforcing dangerous pet prohibitions, there is no “one size fits all” approach. Regardless of the issue, here are some tips to help property managers navigate CAT proceedings.

As the urban landscape continues to evolve and public transit expands, many condominium corporations face increasing challenges related to oversized trucks in inadequately sized parking spaces. This can create logistical problems, safety concerns, and disputes among residents. What Can a Condominium Corporation Do to Maintain Order?

Are there trends or predilections the CAT may follow in their decision-making? Can a condominium board, a property manager, a unit owner or a lawyer expect or anticipate certain results before the CAT?

The notion that a condo manager could lose their licence based on a single complaint would be unsettling. Fortunately, this does not reflect how the CMRAO’s complaints process works.

Although the CMRAO regulates condo management services, the authority prefers owner complaints go through condo management and boards first. They expect all parties to act in good faith throughout the complaints process. As a result, having a transparent, formal Condo Management Complaint Policy allows complaints related to the Condominium Management Services Act (CMSA) to be resolved before they escalate.

We’ve all heard the old adage that when you buy a condo, you also buy its legal documents and rules. Any property manager worth their salt knows how much of a joy it can be navigating complex condo communities through drafting rules and regulations, let alone enforcing them. Here are some lessons and steps managers and directors can take away.

In the realm of condominium management, having a trusted condo lawyer by your side is essential. Engaging a solicitor at the right time and establishing a long-term relationship can significantly benefit the condo corporation, the board of directors, and the manager. This article will explore when to involve a condo lawyer, the factors to consider when choosing one, and the value of maintaining an enduring partnership with your legal counsel.

Construction price inflation has been significantly higher than consumer inflation over the last three years. Reserve fund study updates completed this year and in 2024-2025 will have to reflect this significant increase in costs even for those projects that are in the distant future.

Like newborn babies, a newly registered condominium corporation quickly goes through a number of developmental milestones on its way to becoming a fully functioning building. Many of these milestones occur within the one-year period following either registration or turnover. This article summarizes some of these key developments.

The connections you make during a networking event will provide information, referrals, or opportunities for the future. Networking isn’t just crucial in today’s business world; it’s necessary!

In Ontario, every new residential condominium built and sold comes with a seven-year warranty that starts on the condominium corporation’s registration date. For that reason, it is important for you as a condominium manager to be aware of the age of your condominium, as certain warranties and protection may still apply to the common elements.

Despite the age of a condominium corporation, the common issue is that financial shortfalls directly affect the individual owners within the community. When inflation and interest rates surpass income growth for most individuals, overcoming this challenge is more difficult.

When older communities were constructed, they did not benefit from the decades of cumulative condominium experience that we have access to now. It was indeed the “wild west,” with the first corporations, boards and various industry professionals planning a future with limited experience and few points of reference.

While there are certainly differences in managing older housing stock vs. new, there are also many similarities. The life cycle of a condominium corporation comes with unique challenges in managing each stage.