Condominium living is on the rise as more Ontarians find the lifestyle increasingly beneficial and convenient. As condominiums continue to grow as a viable real estate investment, so does the number of people renting in condominiums.

A condominium’s Board of Directors may choose to hire condominium management to help execute decisions made by the board on behalf of condominium owners. A condominium manager is a versatile role that includes overseeing the condominium corporation’s day-to-day operations as outlined in the Condominium Act, 1998, and adhering to the responsibilities and obligations set under the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015.

Although condominium managers may interact with owners, board members, contractors, and tenants while carrying out their duties, they report to and take direction from the condominium corporation through its board of directors.

Role of Condominium Management with Respect to Tenants

Condominium owners who choose to rent out their units to tenants are considered landlords. The relationship between a landlord and tenant is different for a condominium than for a rental apartment building or complex. It is important to note that although there is condominium legislation, the relationship between a landlord and tenant is governed by separate legislation, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. This distinction in legislation means that condominium managers provide their services and take direction from the condominium corporation through its board of directors, while condominium owners have a separate relationship with the tenant.

The tenant’s direct contractual relationship is with the landlord (the owner of the unit) from whom they rent their unit. Generally, in cases where a tenant has an issue with the unit they are renting, or other features of the condominium, the tenant should raise the issue with their landlord. If a tenant raises emergency matters with the condominium manager, they should expect courteous and respectful service, but they must also bring the issue to their landlord with whom they have a direct relationship.

Learn more about the relationship between condominium management and tenants.