Condominium laws in Canada are constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs of condominium owners and residents. In recent years, there have been a number of significant changes to condominium laws in Canada.

Here are some of the most important changes in condominium laws that Canadians may find interesting:

1. New rules for short-term rentals

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of condominium owners renting out their units on a short-term basis through websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. This has led to concerns from other condominium residents about noise, disruption, and damage to property.

In response to these concerns, many provinces have introduced new rules for short-term rentals in condominiums. For example, in Ontario, condominium corporations are now allowed to ban short-term rentals altogether. In British Columbia, condominium corporations are able to limit the number of short-term rentals in their buildings and require short-term renters to purchase insurance.

2. New rules for pets

In the past, condominium corporations had the right to ban pets altogether. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to allow pets in condominiums.

In response to this movement, many provinces have introduced new rules for pets in condominiums. For example, in Ontario, condominium corporations are no longer allowed to ban pets altogether. However, condominium corporations can still impose reasonable restrictions on pets, such as requiring pet owners to clean up after their pets and keep them on a leash in common areas.

3. New rules for accessibility

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on accessibility in condominiums. This is due to the fact that more and more seniors and people with disabilities are living in condominiums.

In response to this focus on accessibility, many provinces have introduced new rules for accessibility in condominiums. For example, in Ontario, condominium corporations are now required to make their buildings accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making common areas accessible and installing accessibility features in new condominium units.

4. New rules for governance

In recent years, there have been a number of concerns about the governance of condominium corporations. These concerns include a lack of transparency, accountability, and democracy.

In response to these concerns, many provinces have introduced new rules for the governance of condominium corporations. For example, in Ontario, condominium corporations are now required to hold regular meetings and make meeting minutes available to all condominium owners. Condominium corporations are also required to create a reserve fund to cover the costs of future repairs and maintenance.

Conclusion

The changes to condominium laws in Canada in recent years have been significant. These changes have been made to reflect the changing needs of condominium owners and residents. The changes have also been made to address concerns about short-term rentals, pets, accessibility, and governance.

Additional information

In addition to the changes listed above, there have been a number of other changes to condominium laws in Canada in recent years. These changes include:

• New rules for proxy voting
• New rules for condominium elections
• New rules for condominium records
• New rules for condominium disputes

For more information on the changes to condominium laws in your province, you can visit our blog.