How much does a status certificate cost in Ontario and who pays for it?

Under the Condominium Act, 1998, a condominium corporation can charge a fee for preparing a status certificate. The maximum fee is set by regulation and has been established at $100. The corporation must provide the certificate within 10 days of the written request and payment.

In practice, the cost of ordering a status certificate is almost always paid by the buyer, typically as part of the standard due diligence expenses in a condo purchase. Sometimes, particularly in a buyer-friendly market, the seller may obtain a recent certificate to include in the listing package — but even then, buyers often order a fresh one to ensure the information is current.

Some corporations use third-party certificate services and the fee may effectively be passed through at the regulated maximum. If you are working with a real estate lawyer, they will typically order the status certificate on your behalf and include the cost in their invoice.