If you’re a condo owner in Ontario, you may have heard of the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT). The CAT is a specialized tribunal that handles disputes between condo owners, corporations, and other parties. It was established in 2017 as part of the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) and has recently expanded its jurisdiction to include more types of disputes.
Here’s what you need to know about the CAT and its expanded jurisdiction:
What is the CAT?
The CAT is a tribunal that provides a faster, more cost-effective way to resolve disputes related to condos in Ontario. It has the authority to make binding decisions on a range of issues, including disputes between owners and corporations, disagreements over common expenses, and issues related to the Condominium Act.
What is the CAT’s expanded jurisdiction?
The CAT’s expanded jurisdiction came into effect on February 1, 2021, and includes the following types of disputes:
Records disputes: This includes disputes related to access to condo corporation records and disputes over the content or format of those records.
Disputes over the authority of a condo corporation: This includes disputes over whether a corporation has the legal authority to take a particular action.
Disputes over shared facilities: This includes disputes over the use of common facilities such as parking, storage areas, and recreational facilities.
Disputes over pets and animals: This includes disputes related to the keeping of pets or other animals in a condo unit or on the condo property.
Disputes over vehicles and parking: This includes disputes related to the use of parking spaces and the enforcement of parking rules.
Disputes over indemnification and contribution: This includes disputes over whether a condo corporation is required to indemnify an owner or another party or contribute to their legal expenses.
Why is the CAT’s expanded jurisdiction important?
The CAT’s expanded jurisdiction is important because it provides a more efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes related to condos in Ontario. By providing a specialized tribunal with expertise in condo law, the CAT can provide faster and more effective resolutions to disputes, which can save both time and money for all parties involved.
In conclusion, if you’re a condo owner in Ontario, it’s important to be aware of the CAT and its expanded jurisdiction. By understanding what types of disputes the CAT can handle, you can make informed decisions about how to resolve any issues that may arise in your condo community.
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