Legalized Marijuana & Ontario Landlords

Many landlords are worried about the adverse effects this legislation may have on condo laws and rental units. Not only are landlords worried about their tenants smoking marijuana more frequently and openly, they are also worried about the possibility of tenants growing it in their homes. To navigate these changes, it is important to truly understand them.
 

Tenant Surveys: Why They’re Important

Property management can be a demanding and stressful field of work. Tenants have high expectations and a diverse array of wants and needs. Using tenant surveys is an extremely valuable property management tool to gain feedback and more accurately gauge the needs and wants of your tenants.

Are You Ready For 2018’s New Condo Rules?

From reflections of years past to new goals and ultimately, resolutions for improvement as we begin another New Year we are faced with change. The world of property management is certainly no exception, which is why the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has introduced new condo rules that have taken effect in 2018.

Rental Property 101: Who’s Responsible for Snow Removal?

When winter arrives, it can come aggressively and unexpectedly. Winter weather is unpredictable and snowfall is often heavy. If you are renting a place you may feel relieved you don’t have to deal with shovelling snow or salting walkways to maintain your property. But are you sure your property management company is responsible for snow removal?

Top 5 Tenant Complaints & How to Handle Them

Property management is about balancing the needs of different stakeholders. Tenants are a member of this agreement, and as property managers, it is your responsibility to make sure their needs are met thoroughly and efficiently.

Top Tips For Condo Board Members

Top Tips For Condo Board Members

Condo board members hold a lot of property management responsibility. They play a large role in ensuring that their residents enjoy a great lifestyle by providing effective leadership, guaranteeing financial stability and fostering a sense of community. These helpful tips for condominium board members will help your board take on all responsibility without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Condo Replacement Reserves: How to Budget Preventative Maintenance

Some people believe you should only fix a problem when there is one. But, this type of thinking often creates more difficulties and challenges when issues are compounded over time. It’s better to build up the motivation and be  proactive by investing in preventative maintenance for your condominium. Creating a budget for preventative maintenance will save your team time, money and stress in the long run.

How to Build a Strong Resident Communication Platform

A key part of property management lies in developing a sense of trust and community among building staff and residents. Building a resident communication platform that resonates with all building members helps foster long-term relationships and resident retention. Here are our top tips for building a strong resident communication platform:

Condo Directors: New Four-Step Training for Success

Property management is a growing and crucial field in Canada. Ensuring that property management is done well is critical to keeping residents happy, not to mention in helping property owners improve bottom lines and achieve greater financial success. With home prices escalating across metropolitan areas, trends have shown that increased numbers of people are moving into condominiums (including families), which raises the need for strong property management at these locations.

What is Involved in Becoming a Board Member?

Many people want to know what is involved in becoming a board member for their condo or homeowners association. It is a role that often goes without much appreciation, but it can greatly influence the quality of life of people in the community.

Condominium Legislation Changes This Fall

Condo owners in Ontario prepare yourselves, because change is on its way. Beginning this fall, condo owners and corporations can expect greater confidence and security in their investment when new rules take effect. Currently, condo owners and corporations have to go through legal courts or hire a mediator in order to pursue property issues – from keeping pets in the building to corporate record access. The need for change and improvement with current legislation becomes inevitable with an ever growing number of condo residents,  condo units and condo corporations in the province. The current resolution process has become expensive for many residents and overly saturated causing it to be ineffective.

An Airbnb recent court decision provides significant power for condominium boards in dealing with short term rentals

In a case that was released on December 8, 2016, Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Beaudoin found that Airbnb operators were essentially running a business out of their residential dwellings in contradiction of the framework of rules set up in most condominiums. 

Top 10 things to know before going on vacation during the winter when living in a condo

Top 10 things to know before going on vacation during the winter when living in a condo

For those lucky enough to get away during the winter season, organizing your trip should include more than packing your suitcase. Living in a condominium (whether it is a high rise, low rise, or even townhouse complex), requires some diligence.

We have put together a list of ten things to assist you before you leave.

Geothermal Systems – More than a cool innovation

Geothermal - More than a cool innovation. 

Geothermal systems, otherwise known as geo-exchange or earth energy systems, provide consistent heating and cooling year round, by tapping into the earth’s nearly constant temperatures which are found just below the frost line.

Geothermal systems have only been around in Canada for about 60 years. Credit goes in large part to Professor Frank Hopper of the University of Toronto who first brought this system to the main stage. Find out more about how Geothermal Systems work and how they can benefit your condominium.

I’m a director for a new condo. What do I need to know?

I’m a director for a new condo. What do I need to know?

Being a director for a recently registered condominium is hard work, but it can be very rewarding. The first year or so after registration the directors will be very busy and face many challenges.

In addition to their ordinary duties (i.e. to manage the affairs of the condominium and ensure the owners comply with the Act and the condominium’s documents), the directors for a new condominium should pay special attention to a few key areas.

Is AirBnB in your condo?

In condominium high-rises and town-home complexes across Ontario, there is an increasing number of short term rentals that are popping up at alarming rates. You would be surprised about the implications your condominium may be exposed to and the potential costs associated with allowing AirBnB's to exist in your community.

Sorry, that's not allowed

Whether you are new to condominium living, or have been a long term resident in a townhouse or high rise, you will have likely heard these four dreaded words from your condominium property manager: “Sorry, that’s not allowed.” There are benefits to be had, but there are also compromises to be made with living in a condominium.