The City of Toronto recently hired over 300 new fire inspectors, pledging to inspect every high-rise building in the city
at least once a year. The Fire Code adopts a broad definition of “owner”, and, as a result, the city may lay Fire Code charges against unit owners, condo corporations, property managers, management firms and directors for the same infraction. However, there are a few precautionary steps condos can take to minimize exposure to a pesky Inspection Order or Notice of Violation.
Avoid Shock – Get the New Ontario Electricity Rebate
Now that the former 8% hydro rebate and rate reduction will be replaced by the new Ontario Electricity Rebate, make sure you report on time to your local distribution company in order to receive the new Ontario Electricity Rebate.
The New Standard Form of Lease and Condo-specific Additional Terms
New Standard Form of Lease
Effective April 30, 2018, landlords of private residential rental units, including condominium units, are required to use a new mandatory form of residential tenancy agreement for all new tenancies (the “Form”). You can download a copy of the Form on the government’s website: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca
Accommodating disabilities: What medical evidence is required?
I
t is well known that condominiums owe a duty to accommodate persons with disabilities. It is less clear, however, what constitutes adequate proof of a disability. Ambiguous medical notes containing no meaningful details are often the only documentation given to condo boards and managers, who must decide whether the legal threshold for disability is met.
Thankfully, the Ontario Human Rights Commission recently clarified this issue. On February 1, 2017, it released a new policy statement on medical documentation to be provided when disability-related accommodation requests are made.
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At 5 years: Our changing skyline
This month, we celebrate our fifth anniversary of launching this blog.
Since 2008, we have witnessed and written about the good, the bad and the ugly in Ontario condominiums, including:
- continued explosive growth in new condo construction;
- new usages of the condominium concept (hotels, resorts, parking facilities);
- exponential growth of investor ownership and foreign investor ownership;
- dwindling engagement and participation by unit owners in their condo’s affairs;
- unit owners and occupants becoming increasingly sophisticated but (for some) unduly self-entitled;
- greater numbers of condo occupants suffering serious mental health issues;
- courts and tribunals grappling with the influx of people, pets and parking cases;
- rising backlash against directors who abuse their powers and position;
- more frauds against condo corporations, including one of epic proportion;
- growing complexity of the legal and regulatory landscape facing owners, directors and managers;
- success stories of condos stepping back from the brink and tales of others that plunge right off;
- increasing condo manager professionalism and the prospect of licensing and self-regulation;
- condo mediation achieving critical mass and acceptance at long last;
- governments reviewing and revising their condo laws
…to name just a few.
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Get ready for the renovation boom
The Home Renovation Tax Credit will likely cause a small surge of renovation work in condominium units this year, but might also bring a corresponding surge in disputes between condominium corporations and their unit owners. Here are some ideas to help avoid or minimize such disputes.
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First Post — Welcome!
Welcome to the Ontario Condo Law Blog.
Our goal is to provide timely and topical information, news and commentary to inform and enlighten members of the condominium community in the Province of Ontario.
Property managers, condominium directors, unit owners and others should stay tuned to our blog for:
– commentary on recent and developing trends