Streamlining Condo Rental disputes

If you own a condominium as an investment property and rent it out, it's important for you to know The Government of Ontario has introduced new changes to the Condominium Act, 1998 related to an expansion of the jurisdiction of the Province’s virtual tribunal that helps resolve condo-related disputes.


As of January 1st, 2022, the Condominium Authority Tribunal, or CAT will be granted the authority to handle disputes involving nuisances, annoyances, and disruptions. Specifically, prescribed nuisances under the Condominium Act 1998 will now include “unreasonable” instances of:


  • Odour 
  • Smoke
  • Vapour
  • Light
  • Vibration

Previously, these issues were dealt with through mediation, arbitration, or the courts, leading to costly and time-consuming proceedings. Under the current rules, landlords and condo owners often have to foot the bill for these types of disputes.


The new rules will provide a faster and more cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism for condo owners and their tenants. It is important to note that the expanded jurisdiction of the CAT will not have a direct impact on eviction proceedings, as those issues are still governed by the Landlord and Tenant Board.


Applications for condominium-related disputes can be found on CAT’s online portal and dispute resolution services are offered at a total cost of $200.


OREA will be releasing more information on updates to the CAT’s jurisdiction as they become available. For more information about the CAT, please visit the Condominium Authority of Ontario’s website at: www.condoauthorityontario.ca.  

Current Rules Governing disputes

All renters of condominiums have to abide by the condo’s by-laws and rules.  The landlord of an investment condo should provide the rules and by laws to the tenant at the onset of the lease.   Important information to review would be: smoking & vaping rules, pet rules, guest rules, maximum occupancy rules & rules surrounding the recreational facilities.  

As well, the tenants should carry appropriate insurance to cover any damage to both their home and any damage caused to other units.  

While the tenants enjoy the facilities; if they behave in a way that breaks the rules, the landlord/owner becomes responsible for damage and other expenses.   

Due to understaffing and backlogs at the Landlord & Tenant board, often disputes can take months to resolve.   And while the Residential Tenancy Act clearly states all tenants in condos must follow the rules, any outcome at a Landlord/Tenant board hearing is largely dependent on whichever specific Adjudicator is assigned.

Why Condos are popular investment properties 

Condos are attractive to many investors in part because they require less maintenance than a house.  Renters also tend to turn over faster, so a landlord can raise rents between tenants to keep up with market rates. 

Of course, condominiums in Toronto are less expensive than houses to buy, so are an affordable option for real estate investors in Toronto.  

A popular condo building with nice facilities, close proximity to transit, en-suite laundry and parking will rent quickly for top rent.  It’s common for rentals in Toronto to command top dollar, and in some cases Toronto condos rent with multiple offers. 

What attracts a good tenant?

Great tenants often want a building with 24H security, a concierge, laundry in the suite & parking.  Landlords can charge a bit more for updated finishes, newer appliances, a fresh coat of paint. 

Close proximity to transit & luxurious building amenities (including well kept lobby, stairwells & halls) also command higher rental rates.  

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A disturbing trend I've come across recently is the fraud in the rental space.   As an agent who handles a fair share of rentals; these issues have shown up over several ways this year.   I'll tell you about 3 instances I've had and the red flags that appeared with each! 

When I'm representing a landlord and an application comes in, I spend a lot of time going through an applicants documentation and getting references and looking through their background.  Here's what I do:

  • Call their employer by finding the employer's website and calling through their office to confirm employment.  I don't just call the supervisor on the application
  • Look carefully at the documents to see if they are real; company letterhead & credit reports can be faked or bought
  • Check social media & linked in
  • Call past landlords
  • Make sure there is a building at the address they're currently renting
  • Check that the landlords name and property owners names match.   If it's an apartment building call through the property management company if it's an apartment rather than calling the number provided.
  • Look at the credit report for signs of altering


With those things in mind, let's look at 3 things that have happened to me this year!

1.  Student rental Scam - fake rental and landlord

First of all, you should never have to pay to submit a rental application, or be asked for a deposit before you get a chance to see the place.   These scams are generally ads on sites like Kijijii and Facebook for rentals that look too good to be true.  They also steal MLS listings for homes and advertise them at lower rates.  I came across one recently through a family friend desperate for some student housing.  It was a big scam; and when I called them out they 'protested too much'.    Here's how to spot these scammers:

  • They demand payment to submit a rental application
  • They demand a deposit before you see the unit
  • Makes excuses why they are not available to speak to on the phone 
  • Will only communicate through messenger, text or email
  • The advertised price is way lower than other rentals
  • Their Facebook profile was just created
  • Their Facebook name does not match their user name ID (see the URL) 

2. Fake Rental Applications   

There are some very good forged documents out there.  I had some people submit an application on a lease I was advertising and here's what I found during the checks, among the other checks I did as above :

  • Inconsistencies in addresses on the application
  • Employment letter does not look real - no header or footer with information on the company letterhead

3. Forged Tenacy Papers

I had a call from a gal who had a great story, good employment, good credit, moving to Toronto from outside the city for work, can't come in to look for a place so needed virtual showings.  Could I help her find a place.  Sounds great right?  

Now I don't usually check tenants out before I help them (and I'd helped out a client with an out of town move this year already in a similar situation)  But with everything going on right now, I felt it couldn't hurt to see what her references would say.   So she sent in her application & 

then came the paperwork - the address of her job didn't match up with her story.  The company had never heard of her or her supervisor.  There was even no property listed at the home she had put for her address!  Other red flags for scammers include what she did:

  • get overly upset when called out 
  • provide complicated excuses for 'mistakes' on application forms
  • call the fact checker a liar, unprofessional, etc.


So be careful out there folks! 



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A big thank you to the communities of Guildwood, West Rouge & Port Union for the terrific support last Saturday for my Community Shredding Event.  About 30 families participated - and their generous food donations filled our Jeep to the brim!   The food donations were taken straight to Feed Scarborough - the Scarborough Food Security initiative and will be distributed to local satellite food banks in the area.   Judging from the huge line up outside the Manse Rd. food bank Saturday, it's much needed. 

Chartwell Guildwood was my partner for this event and provided the venue and great snacks.  Thank you Kelly & Dianne for your wonderful support.  As always, Papersavers was gracious, friendly, professional and helpful!  

One interesting sideline - My husband, myself, Dianne and Alex from papersavers all grew up within the same area!   Such a big city/small world! 

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