As a condo owner who’s been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, you might be looking to reduce your monthly expenses. In fact, with the shutdown of condominium amenities, many owners might feel they have a right when it comes to deferring Common Expense Fees (CEFs). Unfortunately, there aren’t any existing statutory provisions to guide condo…

The current situation and the social distancing rules makes it difficult for condominium boards and corporations to remain effective. Many condos have introduced telecommunication practices. However, this can present challenges when it comes to Annual General Meetings (AGMs), reaching quorum and voting situations. As a result, many condos are introducing an electronic means bylaw to…

As the coronavirus crisis continues, your condo corporation could come toe to toe with owners who feel that their common expense fees (CEFs) should be lowered or deferred. In fact, since their amenities have been cut off, owners might feel they no longer have to pay their CEFs at all. Unfortunately, this is not an…

As Ontario remains in almost full shutdown mode, condo management services have been deemed an essential service by the provincial government. While this is good news for your tenants, it can pose some challenges for your team. Your role has not changed, yet it might be more difficult for you to perform some of your…

As the City of Toronto extends its self-isolation initiatives, people living and working in condo communities are facing their own set of challenges. Property managers are required to ensure the safety of their tenants. But at the same time, they are also under the same self-isolation. And to complicate things even further, the essential versus…

Although the coronavirus seems to be spreading at a slower pace in Canada, it is important to remember it is still early days here. Therefore, condo managers and boards should have some policies in place to help reduce the spread. Condo residents might feel they are at higher risk due to living in closer quarters,…

When the infamous video of a young woman throwing a chair off an Airbnb balcony emerged last year, many Torontonians were up in arms over the dangers these short-term tenants present to the city. More recently, a triple murder and shooting sent shockwaves through the Lakeshore and Bathurst area condo community. While crime and partying…

With the initial news that the deadly coronavirus was spreading in China, many Toronto residents couldn’t help but recall the SARS epidemic of 2003. However, after 438 probable and suspect SARS cases and 44 deaths in Canada from SARS, we have learned a lot about the spread of such viruses and are better equipped to…

Should you hire a property management company or can you manage your condo as a corporation? Looking for ways to cut corners in condo management can help your condo corporation remain ahead of the game financially. However, being wise in where you choose to slash costs is very important if you don’t want to increase…

Choosing the right property management company for your condo is one of the key decisions a condo board will ever make. Here is a proven strategy for selecting the best company to work with on managing your condo corporation. Condo board responsibilities First, let’s establish what condo corporations are responsible for. In Ontario, condos must…