Licensing condominium managers in Ontario is crucial in ensuring the professionalism, accountability, and competence of those managing condominium communities across the province. As the housing landscape evolves and number of condo communities grow, the role of condominium managers becomes increasingly significant. This warrants a structured and regulated approach to their licensing and day-to-day operations.

Licensing is essential for condominium managers in Ontario because it ensures that they:

• possess the required knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively manage condominiums
• adhere to the relevant legislation and are accountable for their actions
• successfully handle financial and legal responsibilities in order to protect consumers’ assets
• receive ongoing professional education to stay up to date with the latest developments, regulatory changes, and best practices in the sector

Regulatory oversight means that condominium managers are held to high standards of conduct, with mechanisms in place to address complaints and enforce disciplinary actions if necessary. The CMRAO is a not-for-profit corporation funded through the licensing fees of condominium management licensees. These fees are charged annually to help the CMRAO meet its consumer protection mandate and recover the regulatory costs associated with administering the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015.

Licensing fees fund regulatory activities, including:

• processing licence applications
• coordinating enforcement and compliance activities, including inspections and investigations of licensees
• managing a complaints process
• administering a discipline process
• delivering education activities
• responding to inquiries
• public awareness activities
• costs related to general administration

Licensing fees help maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the CMRAO’s regulatory framework and contribute to the development of resources that benefit both condominium managers and the communities they are responsible for. Licensing is a pillar of the CMRAO’s mandate to protect consumers, which this translates to professional operations and better-managed properties.