What does a condo property management company do and do all condos need one in Ontario?

A condominium property management company is hired by the corporation's board of directors to handle the day-to-day administration of the building. This typically includes collecting common expenses, coordinating maintenance and contractors, managing correspondence with owners, maintaining records, and advising the board. Management companies in Ontario must be licensed under the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015, and individual condo managers must also be licensed.

Not every condominium uses a professional management company. Smaller, self-managed condominiums have volunteer owners handle these tasks. However, as buildings grow in complexity and as regulatory requirements have increased, most larger condominiums rely on licensed professional management.

The board retains ultimate authority — the management company implements board decisions but does not replace the board. If you have a concern about how your building is run, the first step is usually raising it with the property manager or attending a board meeting. Licensing complaints about management companies can be filed with the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO).