The below write up concentrates on Ontario rules but some elements and principals can be applied anywhere. What is a Status Certificate. Status certificate is a document that provides essential information regarding the financial status of the unit and the condo corporation. What’s included in the Status Certificate. Financial statements, budgets, special assessments, liens, arrears, lawsuits, condo declaration, by-laws, reserve fund study, insurance policy and claims,... [read more]

November 15, 2018 is a very important date since it determines if the unit falls under the rent control or not. We are often asked about it, and it is even more confusing for the owners and tenants in newer buildings. What does rent control refer to? It refers to how much the rent can be increased, for 2022 the rent can be increased 1.2% as per Municipal Affairs and Housing Guidelines. That means if your rental unit falls under the rent control and the rent charged was $1,000, for 2022... [read more]

When discussing the condominiums, we often hear terms special assessments and loans, in this blog we will explain what they mean and why they are often a sign of the existing issues. Both loans and special assessments are a form of financing where funds aren’t readily available. Loans – this is pretty self-explanatory, the corporation would apply and receive a loan which would be repaid over an extended period of time and collected via, likely increased, monthly common fees.... [read more]

The topic of co-op units come up when someone sees a very inexpensive unit on the market and asks why so cheap, what’s the catch or is it too good to be true. To understand the issue, we will explain what co-op is, how it differs from the typical unit in a condominium and challenges related to buying, selling and owning a co-op. Legal structure. In a co-operative structure the corporation owns the land and each unit in the building, owner of a co-op doesn’t own the unit but... [read more]

What is POTL. The term is associated with certain types of properties, in this short blog we will explain what it means as well as how it affects some properties. POTL is short for A Parcel of Tied Land. The most common forms of ownership of properties are freehold (detached or semi-detached homes, freehold townhomes) and Standard Condominium Corporation (your typical condo apartment, condo townhomes). POTL in the context of GTA residential real estate ownership refers to a... [read more]