Dispute Resolution
About the Tribunal
The Condominium Authority Tribunal is Canada’s first online tribunal and is dedicated to helping condo owners and corporations resolve disputes conveniently, quickly and affordably.
The Tribunal can only help you resolve disputes within its jurisdiction. A Tribunal application is a legal proceeding and everyone involved should treat it seriously. The Tribunal can help parties resolve their issues collaboratively, and it has the legal authority to make binding orders that the parties must follow.
How the tribunal helps
The Tribunal can help resolve disputes that fall within its jurisdiction, which is set by the Ontario government and can only be changed by updating the Act or its regulations. The CAO also provides resources for issues that fall outside of the Tribunal’s jurisdiction
The Tribunal uses a three-stage process to resolve disputes, including negotiation, mediation and adjudication.
The Tribunal’s rules, policies and guides also outline how the Tribunal operates and tell you what you need to know when you are involved in a dispute.
Tribunal costs
The Tribunal’s three-stage dispute resolution services are offered at a total cost of $200 which includes:
- $25 to file your application
- $50 for Stage 2 – Mediation
- $125 for Stage 3 – Adjudication
The person filing the application pays for each stage individually, ensuring they only pay for the services they need.
Do I need a Lawyer to file a case?
You are not required to have a lawyer or paralegal to participate in a CAT application. The CAO’s dispute resolution steps and the CAT’s online system are designed to guide people to resolve issues and disputes on their own.
Many condo owners choose to represent themselves or have a family member represent them. Condo corporations on the other hand can have their condo manager or one of their directors represent them.
Check out the CAO’s Guide for Self-Represented Parties at the Condominium Authority Tribunal if you are thinking about participating in an application without a lawyer or paralegal.
Accommodations for parties
The Condominium Authority of Ontario and the Condominium Authority Tribunal are committed to ensuring accessibility needs are met by providing services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of all.
CAT parties can request accommodations at any time, based on their needs. Where appropriate, accommodation plans will be customized to meet individual requirements.
Our accessibility policy applies to how users:
- File an application with the CAT
- Participate in the CAT dispute resolution process or hearings
- Access previous CAT decisions and orders
Requests can be submitted in writing during your application, or by email to: [email protected]
What your request should include
To help us review your request efficiently, please include:
- Your full name
- Your email address and phone number
- The best way to contact you
- The CAT application numbers your request relates to and your role in the application
- The accommodations you are requesting
After you submit your request
Once we receive your request, the CAT’s Tribunal Operations team will review it and respond within five business days. We may:
- Ask for more information, if needed
- Provide you with a proposed accommodation plan for your review
- Confirm or approve an accommodation plan
Possible outcomes
Accommodation plans will be designed to balance your needs with the principles of fairness. Examples may include:
- Adjustments to timelines or deadlines in the dispute resolution process
- Use of a specific mediation or hearing format, such as a teleconference
- Appointment of a support person to assist with administrative or clerical tasks, such as uploading documents on your behalf
If required, the CAT may need to share the existence or terms of an accommodation plan with other parties in your application and the assigned CAT Member or Mediator.
Read the complete CAO Accommodations Policy.