What is a status certificate in Ontario?

What is a status certificate?

A status certificate is an official document that provides important information about a specific condo unit and the condominium corporation. It can show what the unit owes, how the corporation is doing financially, and whether there are legal or other issues a buyer should know about. This gives potential buyers a better understanding of the unit’s obligations and the corporation’s overall position before moving forward.
 

What is included in a status certificate

A status certificate includes information required by Ontario’s Condominium Act, along with supporting documents that help explain how the corporation operates.

Depending on the property, the package may include:

• The unit’s current common expenses and whether any amounts are in arrears
   
• Any increases in common expenses and the reason for them
   
• Any special assessments and why they were charged
   
• Information about the reserve fund and most recent reserve study
   
• The condo corporation’s budget, audited financial statements, and auditor’s report
   
• Outstanding judgments or ongoing legal proceedings involving the corporation
   
• The declaration, bylaws, and rules
   
• Information about certain current agreements involving the corporation or unit
   
• A certificate or memorandum of insurance for each of the corporation’s current condo insurance policies
   
• Major changes to common elements, corporation assets, or services that the condo board has proposed but not yet completed
   
• The names and addresses for service of the corporation’s directors and officers
   
• Other information required by Ontario law

Ontario law sets out what information a status certificate must include, along with the supporting documents that need to be provided (Condominium Act, 1998, s. 76(1)).
 

What to look for in a status certificate

A status certificate contains a lot of information, so it helps to know where to focus. Buyers and their lawyers may want to pay particular attention to:

• Common expenses: Check the current monthly amount and whether an increase is already expected.
   
• Arrears: Confirm whether the specific unit owes any unpaid common expenses.
   
• Special assessments: Look for additional charges that have been approved or may be coming.
   
• Reserve fund: Review how the corporation is preparing for major future repairs.
   
• Legal proceedings: Check for lawsuits or judgments that could affect the corporation.
   
• Rules and regulations: Review requirements involving pets, parking, condo renovations, rentals, or other plans you have for the unit.

A lawyer experienced in Ontario condominium transactions can help explain anything that raises questions.
 

How to get a status certificate

A status certificate is commonly requested by the seller or a prospective buyer as part of a resale condo transaction. The request typically starts with the condominium corporation or its condo manager, along with the required payment.
 

How much does a status certificate cost?

A standard status certificate can cost no more than $100, including applicable taxes and materials. The condominium corporation must provide the standard certificate for no more than that amount, although it may offer an expedited option for an additional fee (Condominium Act, 1998, s. 76(2); O. Reg. 48/01, s. 18(4)).
 

How long does it take to get a status certificate?

A condominium corporation must provide the status certificate within 10 days after receiving both the request and payment. Buyers should build that timeline into their purchase process so there is enough time for legal review before an offer condition or other deadline expires (Condominium Act, 1998, s. 76(3)).
 

Does a status certificate show special assessments?

Yes, a status certificate can provide information about special assessments affecting the condominium corporation. A special assessment is an extra charge owners may be required to pay for costs that are not fully covered by the regular budget or reserve fund, such as a major repair, unexpected building issue, or large capital project. Buyers should review any current or anticipated assessment closely because it could add a significant cost after closing.
 

Does a status certificate show unpaid condo fees?

Yes, a status certificate can show unpaid condo fees, including information about the common expenses for the specific unit and whether the owner is in default. This is especially important for buyers because it helps identify amounts already owing on the unit before closing. If something is unclear, the buyer’s lawyer can review the certificate and address the issue as part of the transaction.
 

Can you buy a condo without reviewing the status certificate?

Technically, a resale purchase may move forward without a status certificate review, but buyers should not skip this important step. The certificate can reveal upcoming costs, unpaid amounts, legal issues, or restrictions that may affect the unit. Reviewing it with your lawyer before closing can help you understand what you’re taking on and avoid costly surprises later.
 

What does the reserve fund information tell you?

The reserve fund information helps show how the corporation is preparing for major repairs and replacements of common elements. Buyers should consider whether the reserve fund appears positioned to address significant future work, since inadequate funding can contribute to higher common expenses or special assessments later. A status certificate includes information about the financial status of the reserve fund.
 

Is a status certificate the same as the condo’s governing documents?

No. A status certificate gives you a current snapshot of the unit and the condominium corporation, while the declaration, bylaws, and rules explain how the community is run and what owners are expected to follow. The governing documents are included with the status certificate, so buyers can review both the condo’s current situation and the rules that may affect everyday life.
 

About FirstService Residential

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To learn more, contact a member of our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.