December 9, 2017 - Ontario's recently introduced Protecting Co-Owners Act, 2015 provides, inter alia, mandatory training for co-ownership managers. As of January 30, 2018, they will be required to hold a license in good standing issued by CMRAO (the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario), otherwise they will no longer be able to offer their services to the syndicates of co-owners.
By January 29, 2018, at the latest, all co-ownership managers working in Ontario will be required to file a "recognized" license application, the category of which will depend on their level of expertise. Those who have two years of experience in the field in the last five years - 2,920 hours or more - and have completed the required training will be granted a general license.
However, managers who have worked in co-ownership for two years or more, but who have not completed the compulsory training will be granted a general transitional license. As for newcomers to the profession, or those who perform only certain tasks (under supervision), they will be entitled to a limited license. All these licenses will expire on January 30, 2018.
After January 30, 2018
Managers will obtain (or not) a mandatory license in good standing from CMRAO. In the case of a refusal, they will receive a written notice specifying the reasons. The unsuccessful candidates will then have 15 days to make an application for a hearing before the CMRAO Registrar or the Court. Their application may be hand-delivered, sent by e-mail or by any other means allowing them to obtain an acknowledgment of receipt.
If the refusal is maintained after a hearing, a demoted co-ownership manager will have to wait one year before being able to re-apply for a license, provided the Registrar is satisfied, on account of a situation found to be acceptable.
Montreal, December 9, 2017
Source: Lash / Condo Law
