December 2022
Certain condominium corporation records are to be provided upon request. The sloppy solution to addressing these requests is to avoid disclosure of information until a request is made. This creates more work for condominium managers and directors than proactive availability of more commonly requested information.
The sloppy solution to addressing information requests is to avoid disclosure of information until a request is made.
This creates more work for condominium managers and directors than proactive availability of more commonly requested information.
Minutes from board and committee meetings, newsletters, prior notices, budgets and audited financial statements are commonly requested. Some of this information may have been distributed at some point and not retained by owners. Other information may not have been provided. Regardless, owners have a right to this information and it must be provided. Making it available in an efficient and transparent manner serves the interests of all parties.
Making it available in an efficient and transparent manner serves the interests of all parties.
Post this information on the corporation website or make it available in an electronic library typically provided as part of condo management software. This allows electronic access to the information by residents and owners at their convenience and at no cost. Security features ensure access is limited to those with authorization.
This approach helps make owners and residents aware of information they are entitled to access. There should be fewer “fishing expeditions” for information unavailable to them.
Fewer records requests reduce the burden on management and directors. More time can be focused on other matters.
When there is a dispute over access to condo records, a dispute can be filed with the Condominium Authority Tribunal. Certain fees apply and are payable upon filing. Non-compliance with section 55 of the Condo Act is subject to a penalty of $5,000 payable to the individual who requested and was improperly denied access to records.
