Parking and storage
Step 3: Solutions
Here’s what to do now that you’ve identified your issue.
Identify who is causing the issue
Investigate the cause of the issue, including by speaking to those who reported it. If a resident is causing the issue, confirm if they are an owner or occupant by checking the Record of Owners and Mortgagees or Record of Leased Units.
Take time to review your governing documents to determine whether there is a relevant provision. If there is, those bound by the provision must comply with it and your board must take reasonable steps to ensure that everyone complies with both the Condo Act and the condo’s governing documents. If the parking or storage issue involves an area that falls within shared facilities, you should also review any relevant shared facilities agreements to see if there are any terms that apply, as well as any joint rules and by-laws.
If there isn’t a relevant provision, consider broader owner outreach to understand the needs of the condo community. You may also wish to consult a lawyer if a new provision rule is found to be necessary.
Consider an informal inquiry or conversation as discussed in Step 2: Plan your approach
Taking the time to speak informally can often lead to a quicker and more cooperative resolution while maintaining a positive condo environment. Even if the approach may not have resulted in a change in the issue or your perspective, or you were unable to make contact, it is important that you made a genuine attempt. It Is not uncommon to make more than one attempt and engage in more than one informal conversation.
Formally contact the individual causing the issue
Speak to whomever is causing the issue. They may not be aware, so speaking to them about it may resolve the issue quickly.
You can also send a templated letter if you are uncomfortable speaking to them or if you have spoken to them and it has not worked. You will find templates at the bottom of this page. Make sure to keep copies of any letters you send them.
Here is where to direct the letters:
Send a letter to the owner and the condo corporation
Send a letter to the owner, the occupant and the condo corporation
Send the letter to the unit owner.
Your condo’s governing documents may set out a specific timeframe for resolving the issue. If they do not, you should give the owner or occupant a reasonable amount of time to resolve the issue.
Follow up if you do not receive a response
Your condo’s governing documents may set out a specific timeframe for resolving the issue. If they do not, you should give the owner or occupant a reasonable amount of time to resolve the issue.
Determine your next step
Depending on how the owner or occupant responds, you could:
- Call a meeting to discuss how the issue could be resolved with the owners and anyone else affected
- Learn more about how to handle a request for accommodation if a resident requests one.
- File an application with the Tribunal
- You may not be able to file an application with the Tribunal if the dispute does not relate to provisions in your condo corporation’s governing documents dealing with parking or storage.
Visit Step 4: The Condo Authority Tribunal for more information.