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Geburt v. York Condominium Corporation No. 274 - 2023 ONCAT 66 - 2023-05-03

Corporation:

GYCC 274

Date:

2023-05-03

Summary:

In the case of Geburt v. York Condominium Corporation No. 274, 2023 ONCAT 66, the applicant filed an application with the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) seeking access to specific records held by York Condominium Corporation No. 274 (YCC-274). The case proceeded to Stage 2 - Mediation, where a Settlement Agreement was provisionally agreed upon. However, it was revealed that the applicant had sold her unit before the agreement was fully approved. The CAT, under Rule 34.3, determined that the applicant was no longer entitled to obtain condominium records as her ownership had terminated with the unit's sale. Consequently, the CAT issued a Dismissal Order, ending the case in Stage 2 - Mediation. The request for the reimbursement of the application filing fee was also denied.

Under:

CAT Decisions - Dismissal Order
Access to Records

Verdict:

Quick Verdict/Lesson:
In the case of Geburt v. York Condominium Corporation No. 274 (2023 ONCAT 66), the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) dismissed an application for access to records due to the change in the applicant's status. The applicant, who was an owner at the time of filing, sold the unit before mutual approval of a settlement agreement, leading to a change in entitlement to the requested records. The CAT emphasized that entitlement to records is determined at the time of the request and when they are examined or obtained, and the application was thus dismissed. The CAT also denied the applicant's request for cost reimbursement, as the cost issue was directly tied to the records dispute.




Takeaways:

In the case of Geburt v. York Condominium Corporation No. 274, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) issued a Dismissal Order due to a change in the Applicant's status and entitlement during the mediation process:

Change in Ownership: The Applicant, who sought access to condominium records, had their unit sold before the settlement agreement was fully approved, which altered their standing and entitlement to request the records.

Entitlement Under the Condominium Act: The CAT emphasized that entitlement to condominium records is determined at the time of the request and when records are examined or obtained. The Act clearly outlines who is entitled to such records.

Effect on Settlement Agreement: The sale of the unit voided the settlement agreement, as one party's approval of the agreement no longer applied, leading to the case's dismissal.

Costs Issue: The CAT rejected the Applicant's request for a reimbursement of the filing fee as the issue of costs was directly tied to the records-related disputes.

Case Closure: The CAT ordered the closure of the case in Stage 2 - Mediation under Rule 34.3 of the CAT’s Rules of Practice.

Recommendations: 

Timely Updates and Notifications: It's essential for parties involved in condominium disputes to provide timely updates and notifications about any changes in their status or the status of the property. In this case, the applicant's sale of the unit had a significant impact on their entitlement to records. Clear and timely communication could have avoided unnecessary legal proceedings and streamlined dispute resolution.

Understand Legal Entitlement: Parties involved in condominium disputes should have a clear understanding of their legal entitlement to records and participation in the dispute resolution process. The tribunal's decision emphasized that entitlement is determinative at the time of the request for records. Parties should be informed about their rights and responsibilities under the Condominium Act, 1998 and its associated regulations.

Consistency and Documentation: When participating in dispute resolution processes, maintain consistency and proper documentation. In this case, the respondent initially agreed to the settlement terms, but later raised concerns. Parties should ensure that agreements and approvals are well-documented to avoid disputes and confusion later in the process. Clear documentation can contribute to smoother dispute resolution

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