Legal

A blind spot in new EV charging station rules?

The new rules that will steer the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at Ontario condo properties starting next week may have a blind spot.

Condos look for energy reporting loopholes

Some condo boards in Ontario are looking for loopholes to a coming energy reporting requirement, but there are none for large buildings captured by the regulation.

Accessible fire safety tips for property managers

Accessibility advocates see the built environment as a laggard when it comes to fire safety, especially for people with disabilities.

Tenants remain outsiders in condo communities

How do condo managers refer to the people who live in the communities they manage? As owners and tenants, or as residents?

When the developer next door comes calling

With construction booming and land scarce, condo buildings in urban areas may face a situation where a neighbouring developer requires access to their land.

Condo conversions to see expanded warranties

Starting next year, builders and vendors of residential conversion projects will have to register with Tarion and get approval to proceed with their plans.

When can condos enter bulk telecom contracts?

The courts recently reviewed the authority on which a condo corporation may rely in entering into a bulk services contract with a telecom provider.

Negotiating a tenant’s restoration obligations

One of the many issues commonly negotiated between landlords and tenants is the condition of the premises at the expiry of the lease.

Workplace harassment not limited to Hollywood

Cultural attitudes are shifting such that workplace harassment is becoming impossible to ignore, including in condo communities.

Regulator will not actively seek complaints

The Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) will not be "actively seeking" complaints about licensees, says chair Aubrey LeBlanc.

Builders abuzz about cannabis legalization

Ontario’s residential construction industry is anxiously awaiting tools from the province to help it uphold its workplace health and safety obligations when recreational cannabis becomes legal next year.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario launches

In its first month, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) fielded 330 calls and 130 emails from condo directors, managers and owners.

How to navigate lease extensions and renewals

Five tips for tenants as they review, negotiate and exercise lease extensions and renewals.

Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted

The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.

A condo rule against complaining?

A condo corporation was reported to have enacted a rule which, among other things, sought to limit the ability of residents to complain to the condominium.

Conducting video surveillance of properties

Surveillance cameras’ value as deterrents to criminal activity is well-known. However, in order for organizations to use video surveillance, certain requirements concerning reasonableness, consent, purpose and notice must be met.

Countdown on to roll out of condo law reforms

The countdown to the roll out of changes to Ontario’s condo laws is on. Directors and owners will soon be able to call or email the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO).