The Condo Status Certificate: A Complete Guide

Navigating a condominium purchase in Ontario can be complex, but understanding the Condo Status Certificate will make all the difference. These are the essential details that consumers and real estate professionals should know:

What is a status certificate?

A Condo Status Certificate is a document that provides a snapshot of a condo unit's financial and legal status, as well as the overall health of the entire condominium corporation.

The report is long and comprehensive, and is prepared by the condo corporation. It offers prospective buyers an opportunity to review critical information about the unit and the building.

Essentially, it helps protect buyers from any hidden surprises or potential issues that may arise after the purchase, ensuring a smooth and well-informed transaction.

What's included in a status certificate?

A Condo Status Certificate contains a lot of information about both the specific unit and condominium as a whole.

While it may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down into key areas can simplify the review process:

Unit Information: This is the information about the prospective condominium unit itself, including the legal description and ownership details.

There will also be information about the monthly maintenance fees, parking spaces, storage lockers, and the use of common elements.

Buyers will want to check for any outstanding maintenance fees, property taxes, or violations. They will also want to understand if there are parking spaces and/or storage lockers associated with the unt, and whether they are owned or provided for exclusive use.

Financial Statements: The status certificate will also include comprehensive financial documents, including the corporation's operating budget, balance sheet, income statement, details about any special assessments, and information about the reserve fund.

A buyer will want to check for signs of potential issues, such as a depleted reserve fund or a history of special assessments. They will also want to compare the actual reserve fund with the reserve fund study and its recommendations. A new reserve fund study is required every 3 years in Ontario.

Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations: A copy of the condominium corporation's governing documents, such as the declaration, bylaws, rules, and regulations will also be included. These are important for understanding whether your lifestyle is compatible with the building.

Carefully read through these documents to comprehend the condo's policies and ensure you can abide by them. Look for any restrictions or requirements that may impact your lifestyle, such as pet policies, parking rules, smoking rules, and renovation guidelines.

Legal Matters: The status certificate will also disclose any ongoing legal disputes, judgments, or liens involving the condominium corporation or the specific unit.

Be cautious of any legal issues that could have negative implications for the condo's value or the buyer's ownership experience.

How to obtain a status certificate?

Requesting and receiving a Condo Status Certificate is a straightforward process, but it's important to be aware of the steps involved:

Submit a Request: The buyer, their real estate agent, or their lawyer should submit a written request for the Condo Status Certificate to the condominium corporation or its management company. Most condos have an online form or portal to facilitate the request.

Pay the Fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining a Condo Status Certificate, which is typically around $100-$150. This fee covers the cost of preparing the document and is paid by the party requesting (usually the buyer).

Allow for Processing Time: By law, the condominium corporation has up to 10 days to provide the Condo Status Certificate after receiving the written request and payment. However, in many cases, you may receive the document sooner.

Delivery Method: The Condo Status Certificate is usually delivered electronically, often as a PDF file, but it can also be provided in hard copy upon request.

Once you've obtained the Condo Status Certificate, it's essential to engage a knowledgeable real estate lawyer who can help you interpret the information and identify any potential red flags before the purchase.

A condition allowing the buyer's lawyer to review the status certificate is usually included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale for resale condominiums.

Summary

• A Condo Status Certificate provides a snapshot of a condominium unit's financial and legal status, as well as the overall health of the condominium corporation.
• Key areas to review in the certificate include specific unit information, financial statements, rules & regulations, and legal matters.
• To obtain a Condo Status Certificate, submit a written request to the condominium corporation or its management company, pay the associated fee, and allow up to 10 days for processing.
• Consult a knowledgeable real estate lawyer to help interpret the certificate's information and identify any potential issues before finalizing the purchase.