What Are Condo Corporation Disputes?
Condo corporation disputes arise when disagreements occur between unit owners, the condominium board, property managers, or third parties regarding the rights, responsibilities, and management of a condominium building. These conflicts often involve issues of governance, repairs, assessments, rule enforcement, or financial mismanagement—and they can quickly escalate into costly, time-consuming legal battles.
Ontario and British Columbia condo laws place significant obligations on both boards and owners. When these expectations break down, legal intervention is often required to resolve the dispute and protect property value.
Common Types of Condo Corporation Disputes
Unfair Rule Enforcement – Owners may claim that the condo board is applying rules inconsistently, targeting individuals, or overstepping its authority.
Board Mismanagement – Disputes may arise over improper use of reserve funds, failure to maintain common elements, or lack of transparency in decision-making.
Maintenance and Repairs – Conflicts often involve who is responsible for paying for or performing repairs—especially in cases where common and private elements intersect.
Special Assessments – Sudden, large financial demands on owners for repairs or upgrades can lead to serious friction and legal challenges.
Access and Privacy Issues – Disputes may arise over unreasonable access to units by property managers or breaches of owner privacy rights.
Disputes Between Owners – Noise complaints, smoking, short-term rentals, or renovation disputes can lead to legal claims involving the board as mediator or enforcer.
Legal Framework and Resolution Options
In many cases, disputes must follow formal processes before going to court:
Internal Dispute Resolution – Most condominium declarations require owners and boards to attempt internal resolution first, including board hearings and mediation.
Tribunals and Civil Claims – In Ontario, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) handles certain condo-related disputes. Other matters may go before the Superior Court or provincial tribunals in BC.
Mediation and Arbitration – These out-of-court methods can be effective in resolving complex disputes without the cost and delay of litigation.
Litigation – For serious or unresolved matters—such as board misconduct, contract disputes, or bylaw violations—court action may be the only path forward.
How We Can Help
At ME Law, we represent both condo boards and individual unit owners in a full range of condominium disputes. Our services include:
Board Governance Guidance – We advise boards on compliance with provincial condo law, fiduciary duties, and best practices in governance and financial reporting.
Owner Representation – We help owners challenge improper decisions, enforce rights under the declaration or bylaws, and defend against enforcement actions.
Mediation and Settlement – We work to resolve disputes quickly and privately where possible, using negotiation and mediation to avoid prolonged legal costs.
Litigation Support – When needed, we take swift legal action to protect our clients’ interests in court, whether that involves injunctive relief, damages, or removal of board members.
Take the Next Step
Condo disputes can quickly erode property value, relationships, and peace of mind. At ME Law, we offer practical, results-driven legal strategies to resolve condominium disputes efficiently and effectively. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take control of your condo conflict before it escalates.
Let's talk about your case
- (416) 923-0003
- +1 (800) 891-2897
- intake@melaw.ca
- referral@melaw.ca