Newsletters and Articles

In this buyer’s market for condominiums, the Status Certificate has become increasingly important for helping a purchaser make an informed decision. First-time home buyers are scrutinizing the Status Certificate to see if buying that larger, multi-bedroom condominium unit in an older building is a better choice than a modern, smaller unit in a newer building with less of a financial history.

A recent successful appeal by Shibley Righton’s own Megan Mackey and Nasrudin Mumin has sent a clear message to newly constructed condominiums across Ontario: when a turnover board terminates a developer‑signed property management contract under section 111 of the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”), the contract is terminated, full stop. No lingering penalties. No damages for termination.

When a dispute arises in a condominium setting, the first and most important step is choosing the right place to resolve it. In Ontario, condominium disputes can go to:

·         The courts (Superior Court or Small Claims Court);
·         The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT); or
·         Mediation and arbitration under section 132 of the Condominium Act, 1998.

Knowing which forum has the proper authority to resolve the dispute will avoid delays, extra costs, and legal mistakes.

As of January 1, 2026, Ontario strengthened its carbon monoxide safety requirements. O. Reg 87/25 amends O. Reg. 213/07: Fire Code (the Fire Code) by requiring carbon monoxide alarms (CO Alarms) in more locations than ever before. These changes not only address the serious risk posed by carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas, but aim to ensure early detection and protection of lives.

In a recent decision of the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT), a unit owner was ordered to pay the condominium corporation $5000 in costs after he claimed the Corporation failed to enforce its noise rules.

For many years, one of the most confusing “records” that a condominium corporation in Ontario is required to keep has been the List of Lease Notifications under Section 83(3) of the Condominium Act, 1998 (the “Act”).

Noise disputes are among the most common issues in condominium living and are frequently brought before the Condominium Authority Tribunal (“CAT”).

A recent case at our firm shows how effective Rule 2.1 of Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure can be for condominium corporations facing meritless lawsuits.

In 2015, the Ontario government delivered the Protecting Condominium Owners Act, which was intended to create a new Condominium Act (the “Act”). It contained many sections which were to be proclaimed in the future. In Ontario, sections that are not proclaimed within 10 years automatically lapse and do not become law.