How Condo Boards Can Avoid Costly Contract Mistakes

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas sits down with Jason Rivait from Stack Condo Law to discuss the documents and legal framework that govern condominium living in Ontario.Jason explains the hierarchy of condo governance, including the Condominium Act, declaration, bylaws, rules, and policies, and why owners and boards need to understand how these documents work together.They also discuss standard unit bylaws, insurance deductible bylaws, chargebacks, liens, water damage, owner obligations, indemnification, policies, fines, amenity rules, and why clear communication can prevent expensive disputes.In this episode, we cover:The hierarchy of condo governanceCondominium Act, declaration, bylaws, rules, and policiesWhy owners should understand their rights and obligationsHow AI can help or mislead condo ownersWhat goes into a condo declarationUnit boundaries, common expenses, and maintenance obligationsHow bylaws are passed and registeredHow rules are passed and challengedWhy standard unit bylaws matterHow standard unit bylaws affect insurance and repairsInsurance deductible bylaws explainedOwner insurance and deductible coverageHow water damage chargebacks workAct or omission versus no-fault deductible bylawsWhy source of damage is not always the only questionWhen a condo corporation can lien a unitChargeback timing and the three-month lien deadlineHow often boards should review their bylaws and rulesCannabis, smoking, e-bikes, and emerging rule issuesWhy policies are different from rulesWhy condo corporations generally cannot fine ownersIndemnification provisions and recovery of actual costsDamage caused by owners, tenants, guests, and contractorsWhat happens when unit owners refuse repairs or accessWhy communication and education reduce disputesWhether you are a condo owner, board member, property manager, lawyer, real estate professional, or service provider, this episode provides a practical breakdown of the legal documents and decision-making tools that shape condominium communities in Ontario.Guest: Jason RivaitFirm: Stack Condo LawWebsite: stackcondolaw.comEmail: [email protected] to #WeSpeakCondo for practical conversations about condo governance, condominium law, owner rights, property management, building operations, and the issues affecting Ontario condominium communities.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Luis Hernandez from LDDC Lawyers about condo owner rights, records requests, communication, the Condominium Authority of Ontario, and the Condominium Authority Tribunal.Luis explains how owners can better understand their declaration, bylaws, rules, and available CAO resources, as well as how CAT applications work when disputes arise over records, noise, pets, parking, nuisance issues, or other condominium conflicts.They also discuss core versus non-core records, board meeting recordings, AGM recordings, management emails, vexatious applications, and why transparency is one of the best ways for condo corporations to build trust with owners.A valuable episode for condo owners, board members, property managers, tenants, and anyone who wants to better understand condo dispute resolution in Ontario.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Deborah Howden and John Develis from Shibley Righton about employment law and workplace obligations in condominium corporations.They discuss the difference between employees and service contractors, the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Rights Code, Labour Relations Act, WSIB, workplace harassment and violence policies, employment contracts, termination clauses, accommodation, unionized staff, and employee documentation.Deborah and John also explain why condo corporations may still have legal obligations even when workers are provided by a third-party contractor, and why boards should be careful before deciding to hire staff directly.A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, superintendents, service providers, and anyone involved in managing employees or workers in Ontario condominiums.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Andy and Anthony Kastopoulos from DV Mechanical about the mechanical and plumbing systems that keep high-rise condo buildings operating.They discuss boilers, chillers, cooling towers, make-up air units, fan coils, heat pumps, domestic hot water, risers, building automation systems, preventative maintenance, comprehensive contracts, and common mechanical room issues.Andy and Anthony also explain why monthly inspections matter, how small maintenance problems become major failures, why plumbing leaks can create serious damage, and how condo boards and managers can better protect their building’s equipment.A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, condominium owners, engineers, contractors, and anyone responsible for maintaining high-rise residential buildings.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Romina Facchini from Statis Inc. about condo reserve funds and the financial planning required to maintain condominium buildings over the long term.They discuss reserve fund studies, eligible expenses, contribution increases, deferred projects, inflation, preventative maintenance, shared facilities, and what happens when boards keep condo fees artificially low or spend reserve funds on items that were never included in the plan.Romina also explains how underfunding can eventually lead to significant fee increases, loans, or special assessments for owners.An important episode for condo board members, property managers, owners, auditors, and anyone responsible for the financial health of a condominium corporation.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Ryan Grossman, a realtor with RE/MAX Realtron and co-founder of Condo Communitie. They cover everyting from A-Z for condo buyers and sellers in today’s GTA market.Ryan explains what buyers should look for beyond the unit itself, including the property condition, maintenance fees, resale value, status certificates, special assessments, financing, and offer conditions.They also discuss what sellers need to do to stand out, why pricing and presentation matter, how buyer visits work before closing, and why resale condos may be a stronger option than pre-construction in the current market.A valuable episode for first-time condo buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, tenants, realtors, condo managers, and anyone interested in the GTA condo market.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Emiel Bril, CEO and Co-Founder of VendorPM, about innovation, technology, vendor procurement, and the future of condo management.They discuss why the condominium industry has traditionally moved slowly, how technology can help property management companies reduce risk and improve vendor selection, and why rising costs are forcing buildings to operate more efficiently.Emiel also shares thoughts on how artificial intelligence could eventually help condo boards and managers access information faster, make better decisions, and improve the way buildings are managed.A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, vendors, consultants, and anyone interested in the future of condominium management.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Tyson noce from Novi Engineering about condo parking garage maintenance, deterioration, repairs, and restoration.They discuss how condo garages are built, the difference between suspended slabs and slab-on-grade areas, why waterproofing membranes matter, how salt and water damage concrete, what causes leaks around drains and expansion joints, and why garage ramps can be especially difficult and expensive to repair.Tyson also explains how engineers assess garage conditions, what chain drag surveys reveal, when cracks should be taken seriously, and why proper specifications and contract administration are important when planning garage repair projects.A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, condominium owners, engineers, contractors, and anyone involved in maintaining Ontario condo buildings.

In this episode of #WeSpeakCondo, Nicholas speaks with Antoni Casalinovo from Deo Condominium Law about contracts in condominium corporations.They discuss service agreements, construction contracts, CCDC contracts, one-off work orders, unionized security and cleaning contracts, auto-renewal clauses, termination rights, change orders, liens, bonding, payment schedules, and the role of lawyers, engineers, and consultants in protecting the condo corporation.Anthony also explains why condo boards should be careful with informal approvals, unclear scopes of work, purchase orders, long-term service agreements, and financing arrangements that may require a borrowing bylaw.A valuable episode for condo board members, property managers, condominium owners, contractors, consultants, and anyone involved in Ontario condo operations.

#WeSpeakCondo is back after eight years. In this relaunch episode, Nicholas speaks with Sam Soltani, Founder and President of The Trace Group, about the Ontario Fire Code changes condo managers and boards need to understand going into 2026.They discuss carbon monoxide detection, fire alarm inspections, smoke control testing, fire safety plans, fire watch obligations, record keeping, fire panel repair versus replacement, and the growing responsibility condo corporations have when it comes to life safety compliance.Sam also shares practical advice on how condo boards can use engineers, audits, and proactive maintenance planning to avoid costly surprises and better protect their buildings.A must-listen for condo managers, board members, property managers, engineers, and anyone involved in Ontario condominium operations.In this episode, we cover:New Ontario Fire Code changes affecting condosCarbon monoxide detection requirements in hallwaysFire alarm inspection and record-keeping standardsCAN/ULC S536, S537, and S1001 requirementsSmoke control testing and fire safety plan updatesFire watch responsibilities and risksFire alarm panel repair vs. replacementCondo board and management liabilityWhy engineering assessments matter before major projectsHow proactive HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire maintenance can save condo corporations moneyGuest: Sam SoltaniCompany: The Trace GroupWebsites: traceconsultinggroup.comContact: [email protected] to #WeSpeakCondo for practical conversations about condo management, governance, compliance, maintenance, and the issues that matter most to condominium communities.