Management
The pitfalls of shared facilities agreements
A shared facility agreement is often a quagmire of legal mumbo jumbo that is next to impossible to interpret.
Enforcing CAT orders through Ontario’s Small Claims Court
The Condominium Authority Tribunal handles disputes related to condo governance, but once a decision is made, enforcement can be challenging.
Expanding condo board oversight
Bringing the condo governance disputes into the CAT’s jurisdiction as per the standing committee’s recommendations would be an altering change of the Act’s
self-governance model.
Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities
New updates to the OBC, which come into effect January 1, 2025, do little to address accessibility. How can existing condos prioritize inclusion when planning for renovations?
Five reasons to review employment contracts
Outdated employment contracts expose condo corporations to financial and legal risks they could otherwise avoid.
Eco-friendly condo upgrades
Reaching net zero by 2050 means sustainability targets for new and existing condo buildings will need to change quickly.
Vacant residential land stirs surtax rumblings
The Canadian government is exploring options for a surtax on vacant residential land through a newly launched public consultation, which is open for submissions until December 31, 2024.
CAO releases report on state of reserve funds
The Condominium Authority of Ontario has released preliminary findings on the state of reserve funds and owners’ awareness of their importance.
Q&A: Security cameras and condos
An increasing use of security cameras in and around condo communities has come with more questions and issues condo boards, property managers and condo lawyers are forced to deal with.
Managing water leaks 101
The causes of water leaks are often related to materials, installation, maintenance and operational issues.
Short-term rental registry stuck in manual
Toronto relies heavily on manual review processes for oversight of approximately 8,400 registrants currently approved to offer short-term rental accommodations in their principal residences.
Legal case puts spotlight on condo security
In a recent case, a condominium found itself at the centre of a significant security challenge posed by a resident.
Helping condos stay afloat during a flood
The immense flooding that occurred recently across the GTA led to massive evacuations and widespread power outages and is just one example of the increasing severity of natural disasters.
Initiative seeks to close emergency response gaps
The Peel Regional Police Service is one jurisdiction that is leading a program that focuses on high-rise safety and resident well-being.
Canada bolsters guard against money laundering
Title insurers, real estate brokers and sales representatives will have new obligations to guard against money laundering and terrorist financing under proposed federal regulations.
Residents figure into fire safety knowledge gap
The province also saw the total number of fatal fires rise to 109. Within many condos, there is a critical gap between fire safety and resident knowledge.
Tips for hiring independent contractors
With costs on the rise, many condominiums are choosing to retain independent contractors to provide superintendent and/or cleaning service.