Can anyone request a status certificate from an Ontario condo corporation, or only buyers?
Under the Condominium Act, 1998, any person may request a status certificate from a condominium corporation, and the corporation must comply. This means the right is not limited to prospective buyers. Current unit owners, mortgagees and lenders, tenants in some circumstances, potential lenders considering refinancing, and others with a legitimate interest can all request one.
Current owners may want a status certificate when refinancing their unit so the lender can confirm the corporation's financial health. A mortgagee may request one when reviewing a default situation. Someone considering investing in a condo building as a rental may request certificates on multiple units to assess the corporation before committing.
The regulated fee applies regardless of who requests it. The certificate is prepared as of the date it is issued, so it reflects the financial and governance status as of that specific date. Anyone relying on a certificate for a transaction should consider how recently it was prepared.
Key takeaways
- Any person — not just buyers — can request a status certificate under the Act.
- Lenders, owners, and investors commonly request certificates for non-sale purposes.
- The regulated fee applies to every request regardless of the requester.
- Always consider how current the certificate is relative to your intended use.