Can You Get a Condo Lien Removed Before Selling Your Unit in Ontario?

Yes, a condo lien can be removed before you sell, by paying what is owed. If the owner pays, the condo corporation must discharge the lien, and an owner can pay at any point until the unit is sold. Gathering the lien notice and a payout figure early helps your lawyer deal with it before closing.

The payoff includes condo fees owed after registration, interest, and reasonable legal fees and the costs of preparing and discharging the lien. A lien arises automatically when an owner does not pay common expenses, and it expires after three months unless the corporation registers a Certificate of Lien. The owner first gets a Notice of Lien, and the corporation can register the certificate if the owner does not pay within 10 days.

Do not wait. A corporation can start the power of sale process 15 days after registering a Certificate of Lien, and the notice sets a redemption date 45 days after it is issued. Also, the corporation cannot take further enforcement steps during that period. Your lawyer can confirm the amount owed and how it will be paid and discharged at closing.