Condominium purchases and status certificate reviews

If you’re buying a resale condo, talk through the review condition while you can still shape the offer. Leave time to request the package, read it and follow up on anything that could affect your decision.

Check the exact condition and notice terms

We check which unit and documents the condition covers, when it expires and what notice the agreement requires. Some conditions use a fixed deadline. Others count from delivery of the documents listed in the agreement. The corporation’s 10-day delivery period is separate from your deadline under the agreement.

Request the right package

Confirm the condominium corporation and legal unit number. Tell us which parking or locker rights the agreement includes. Ask for the status certificate and its attachments, and note when the package was received. An older or incomplete package can leave questions about changes to fees, rules or repairs.

The status certificate brings together information about the unit and the corporation. We read the certificate alongside the documents it comes with, so you can see which issues need an answer before you commit.

Monthly costs and amounts owing

We look at the unit’s common expenses, often called condo fees, and whether the certificate reports arrears, an increase or a special assessment. If the documents disclose an assessment, we review the stated amount and timing and check how the agreement allocates the charge between buyer and seller.

Building finances, repairs and legal claims

We review the available budget, audited financial statements, reserve fund information and disclosed litigation or judgments. We explain what the documents say about planned work or funding pressures and identify questions to raise with the corporation. The reserve fund balance makes more sense alongside expected major repairs and replacements.

Where to get more information

We flag missing documents and points to clarify. A physical inspection and advice from an insurance broker, engineer or other qualified professional can address questions about condition or coverage. Future repairs and fee decisions can change after the date of the certificate.

If a parking space, locker, rental plan or renovation matters to you, raise it before your decision date. The agreement and the condominium documents should be read together.

Parking and locker rights

A parking space or locker may be a separate unit on title, an area reserved for your exclusive use or held under another arrangement. We check what the agreement includes and compare it with the declaration and relevant title information. Share the advertised space numbers and anything the seller has said about use or access.

Rules that affect your plans

• Pets and any limits on number, size or type.
• Rentals, including short stays and any minimum rental term.
• Renovations, flooring or changes that may need corporation consent.
• Use of balconies, parking, lockers or other common areas.

We review the declaration, by-laws and rules for the issues that matter to you. We also flag insurance obligations in the documents so you can discuss the right owner’s policy with your broker.

A status certificate review helps you decide how to proceed under the agreement. If you also retain us for closing, we agree on the next steps and the work included.

Review the closing documents and amounts

We review title and relevant condominium documents, coordinate the lender’s legal requirements where applicable and explain the funds required. The closing figures may include adjustments for condo fees, taxes or other amounts payable under the agreement. We confirm signing arrangements and handle registration within the agreed scope.

If you’re buying from a developer

For purchases covered by Ontario’s developer disclosure rules, the usual 10-day cancellation period is measured from the date you receive the last of the disclosure statement, the condominium buyer’s guide and the fully signed purchase agreement. Share when you received each document and any interim occupancy date. Occupancy can come before title transfers.