Can I access my condo corporation's records as an owner in Ontario?
Yes. Under the Condominium Act, 1998, unit owners have the right to examine certain records of the condominium corporation. The categories of records you can access include the declaration, by-laws and rules, financial statements, reserve fund studies, minutes of board and owner meetings, the management agreement, and other specified documents. The corporation must make these records available within specified time periods after a written request.
The corporation may redact personal information about other owners from records before providing them. It may also charge a reasonable fee for copying. If the corporation refuses access to records you are entitled to, or fails to respond within the required time, you can file an application with the Condominium Authority Tribunal, which has jurisdiction over records-access disputes.
This right is not just for buyers doing due diligence — it is an ongoing right of ownership that allows you to monitor how the corporation is being managed, review expenditures, and hold the board accountable.
Key takeaways
- Owners have a statutory right to access specified corporation records.
- The corporation must respond within set time periods and can charge a reasonable copying fee.
- The CAT handles disputes about access to records.
- Active use of this right helps owners hold the board accountable.