FAQ

As a condominium owner in Ontario, you have legal rights outlined in the Condominium Act, 1998. These include the right to access certain condo records, vote at meetings, and enjoy your property without unreasonable interference. If a dispute arises — whether it’s about rule enforcement, noise, or governance — you may bring the matter to the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). At CIE, we encourage resolution through open communication, but we’re prepared to guide owners and boards through formal channels if needed.

No — the board cannot make substantial changes to common elements or services without owner involvement. Under the Condominium Act, changes that impact appearance, utility, or value often require a vote by unit owners. CIE ensures all major decisions follow the proper voting and notice procedures, maintaining full transparency between boards and owners.

If no one serves on the board, the condo corporation cannot legally operate. This may result in the appointment of a court-ordered administrator, which can be costly and disruptive. CIE supports communities by offering guidance and onboarding tools that encourage owners to step forward. We simplify board duties, making volunteer roles more manageable and rewarding.

The condo board of directors is responsible for managing the corporation’s affairs — including maintenance, finances, compliance, and policy enforcement. Owners must maintain their individual units, follow the condo’s governing documents, and pay fees on time. At CIE, we clearly define and communicate these roles to reduce confusion and support smooth operations.

Contact your property manager immediately. Unpaid fees can lead to interest, legal fees, and liens on your unit. At CIE, we treat each case with confidentiality and work with owners to explore payment plan options before further action is taken. Condo fees are essential to maintaining the property and shared amenities.

No. In Ontario, condo owners are not legally allowed to withhold condo fees, even if repairs are delayed. Instead, document the issue and submit a formal service request. At CIE, we log, track, and escalate maintenance concerns to ensure they’re addressed promptly and fairly.

Start by submitting your request through the community portal’s service request system. This platform allows you to track the status of your concern in real time and ensures that it is reported to both management and the Board. If the issue remains unresolved, follow up with the property manager or the board in writing. For persistent issues involving common elements or record access, you may escalate your concern to the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). At CIE, our system promotes full transparency and ensures accountability through documented follow-up and clear communication.

In Ontario, 24 hours’ written notice is required for non-emergency entry. However, in the case of emergencies — such as water damage or fire — immediate access is allowed. At CIE, we strictly follow entry laws and document all access events for transparency.

Generally, condo corporations in Ontario do not have the legal authority to fine owners, unless explicitly permitted in the governing documents. Even then, enforcement must follow due process. At CIE, we focus on education and proactive communication, not punitive measures.

Review the status certificate, budget, reserve fund study, and governing documents. Understand monthly fees, rules around pets, parking, and rentals, and confirm who manages the property. At CIE, we recommend working with experienced real estate professionals and always reviewing documents with your lawyer before committing.

Standard Condominium: The most common type. You own your unit and share common elements (e.g., hallways, elevators).

Freehold (Parcel of Tied Land): You own the home and land, but are tied to shared common services like roads or gates.

Common Element Condominium: No individual units — owners share amenities like roads or parkland while owning their home separately.

CIE manages all types of condos and can guide you in understanding your specific ownership type.

Understand your rights under Ontario’s Condominium Act and the Tarion Warranty Program. Review the disclosure statement, interim occupancy fees, and budget statements. CIE works with new condo boards to review developer documents and ensure a smooth transition from builder to owner-led management.

Yes. Tarion covers both individual units and common elements in new condominium developments. Coverage includes 1-year, 2-year, and 7-year warranties on workmanship, building systems, and major structural elements. CIE supports new condo boards through the Tarion claim filing process by connecting our clients with professional performance auditors or working with the board’s designated representative to ensure timely reporting and communication.

A status certificate is a legal document that outlines the financial and legal status of a condominium unit and the corporation. It includes information about common expenses, the reserve fund, legal proceedings, by-laws, rules, and any upcoming special assessments. This certificate is crucial for buyers and mortgage lenders, and at CIE, we ensure that our status certificates are accurate, up-to-date, and issued within the mandated 10-day period.