What is a Condo and Why is it Different?
It is a creature of statute, created under the Condominium Act of Ontario, as, among other things a means of consumer protection by the imposition of certain time and disclosure requirements on the purchase and sale of new condominiums. A condominium is not necessarily just a high-rise apartment. Condominiums can include townhouses, of all shapes, sizes and heights, semi-detached or detached units and can be industrial, commercial or residential. Since the new Condominium Act came into place the following types have been added: common element condominiums ( ie. A number of homeowners sharing a central rec facility), phased condominum corporations, vacant land condominiums or leasehold condominiums.
How does it get there?
The developer takes his land and plans through many stages, and for residential including enrollment under the Ontario New Homes Warranty Program, negotiation of the agreements with the various governmental authorities and utilities and finally he will receive the necessary approvals to start building. At the same time he is preparing with his lawyer the declaration, description, disclosure statement, etc. Once the facility is constructed and inspected by the Municipality, purchasers may be given occupancy or possession, but not title. After all the paperwork has been approved, the Ministry of Housing inspects and approves the project for release. The developer would then register the appropriate documents and advise purchasers it is time for the final closing and the purchaser would get his deed.
What do I own personally?
In the majority of the cases, you own the inside of your unit to half way through the walls, floors and ceiling, all as particularly described in the description and your proportionate share of the common elements as set out in the condominium documents.
One of the questions that frequently comes up relates to the issue of whether you own the parking spot or storage locker that come with the unit? If a parking spot or storage unit are included do you own them or is it an exclusive use arrangement? In order to get title to these elements it must be set out in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If it is exclusive use the parking spot or storage locker are owned by the condominium corporation and pursuant to your agreement and subject to the by-laws of the condominium corporation
What is a Status Certificate?
One of the changes in the new Act is the change to the Status certificate from the Estoppel Certificate. Ok what does this mean? You need to obtain a Status Certificate from the Condominium Corporation because it will provide a wealth of necessary information to be able to make educated decisions. Like what? Here are a few highlights: a) statement of common expenses of the unit and if any default in payment b) any increases since last budget and reasons c) any assessments levied d) o/s judgments and legal actions if any e) budget and financial statements f) copies of all agreements affecting the condo g) reserve fund info h) contemplated and actual financial, service and physical changes and many other items. Have a look at sec 76(1) of the Condominium Act or ask your lawyer for a copy. Also the cost has gone from $50 to $100 to obtain this information.
Why a condominium?
Under the old legislation, condominiums offered a much different lifestyle selection to the consumer than freehold but today with the changes builders and developers will only be limited by their imagination. There will be as many different choices as there are creative people. What do I mean? How about a 4000 square foot freestanding home on a 1 acre estate lot that is freehold but the owner is part of a condominium that participates in a water and sewer treatment plant and maintains its own security force? How about owning the house but condoing the golf course or the Olympic sized swimming pool? Today condominium is becoming one of the ways to have your cake and eat it too.
