Condo Living

May 10, 2024 Published by London and Area Chapter - By Trish Kaplan

Buying into a Condominium

From the CCI Review 2023/2024-3 March 2024 issue of the CCI London Chapter

There is significant growth in the condominium community. Of course this can be exciting for those who see the enormous potential that arises because of it. In reality, it can also offer challenges for communities as we see a decline in the number of qualified condominium managers to meet matters that may arise with more intricate building designs of architecture and construction.

It’s true, not everyone is suited to the condominium lifestyle. While many directors and managers continue to learn and develop their roles and responsibilities, it is highly recommended for potential buyers to do their due diligence on the same. Education in the industry will also help manage expectations, in advance of their purchase. It is known for many that when you buy a condominium, you don’t have to do anything. It wasn’t true then and is still not true.

It is recognized that where some potential buyers might put all of their confidence into their realtor, real estate lawyer, and/or an accountant to provide advice, it is significant that condominium credentials are included in their practices.

Understanding that condominium living comes with important rules and responsibilities will make the journey into the lifestyle more acceptable if information is shared with potential buyers. The information about the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) is a great start for all potential buyers. CAO is a consumer protection agency that provides information, education and dispute resolution services. The organization aims to improve condo living by providing services and resources for condo communities. A review of their role in the community can be found here.

The opportunities for potential buyers to conduct more diligent study into what may be a new lifestyle for them, or if they are pursuing a purchase as an investment, also continues to evolve and is very much recommended. CAO can help in that regard here.

The Condominium Act is a consumer protection legislation that regulates condominium living in Ontario. Condominium unit owners, residents and corporations must comply with it and the corporation’s governing documents must not contradict it.

Ownership in a condominium comes with benefits and guidance; rights and responsibilities; information on how the board works and ways to solve issues and how to get involved. This guide can be most helpful. The presentation of the Condo Owners’ Guide can be found here.

Owners and directors continue to make enquiries relating to their roles and responsibilities in their condominium communities. Owners are also not afraid to voice their objections when a specific area of concern arises. The CAO provides information and training for everyone in the industry to review and help them through their concerns: You can reach out to them here.

Where CCI is not a legislative body in the condominium industry, we can refer you to the appropriate link at CAO that will assist you in your enquiry. CCI will continue to provide education in different aspects of condominiums, many topics as suggested by members in the expanded condominium communities, at their seminars, courses, and in publications, we cannot provide legal advice that falls under the jurisdiction of the legislative bodies authorized within the condominium industry. We can, however, continue to provide education and direct you appropriately when the need arises.

Board members appreciate opportunities to connect personally with experts they feel comfortable doing business with. They rely on expertise to make informed decisions on behalf of their owners. CCI educational events provide opportunities to do just that. The importance of engaging the proper expertise to assist with developing issues can mean the difference between managing smaller matters that might become larger and more expensive ones to resolve. A chapter resource for Boards can be found in the current 2023/24 Individual, Professional and Business Partner Member Listing here.

It is always our hope that your experience as a condominium owner is a pleasurable one. We are confident that education can make a difference in how we embrace the lifestyle or the work we do in communities.

CAO continues to create and document best practices for every category of responsibility in condominiums. More indepth best practice guides and other resources are available to boards and owners. They can be found here.

Trish Kaplan, CCI (Hon’s) is the parttime Administrator of the Chapter.; having served in the position from April 2003 to September 2010. She received the CCI Distinguished Service Award from CCI National in November 2006.

Trish served as a director on the chapter board from 2010-2015 and was subsequently returned to the position of Administrator.

Trish is a condominium owner, served as a director in the corporation she resides in for a time and is a retired condominium manager. Her experience in different areas of condominium continues to be a benefit to the chapter and its members.