What Are the Options for a Condo Corporation Facing a Financial Shortfall?

When unexpected financial challenges arise, condo corporations often find themselves in a difficult position—especially when they need to fund costly repairs or improvements to the building. Whether it’s due to unforeseen damage, emergency repairs, or simply the aging infrastructure of the property, a shortfall in funds can quickly put the community at a crossroads.

The task of managing the finances of a condominium building is no easy feat, and when the need for a major repair or capital improvement emerges, the corporation must figure out how to pay for it. Condo corporations are typically funded by the maintenance fees paid by unit owners, but what happens when these funds aren’t enough to cover the cost of a major repair? What options are available for funding the shortfall, and what are the consequences for unit owners? 

We sat down with Jim Wallace, Owner & President of Condominium Financial, to get his expert perspective on this crucial issue. Jim has decades of experience in the condo financial space and offered some valuable insights for condo boards facing financial challenges.

What Are the Options for a Condo Corporation Facing a Financial Shortfall?

Shortfall :

In the context of a condo corporation, a shortfall refers to a situation where there are insufficient funds to cover the costs of necessary expenses, such as major repairs, capital improvements, or unexpected emergencies.

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1. Special Assessments: The Primary Solution

   
   

The most straightforward option available to a condo corporation is a special assessment. This is essentially a one-time charge to the unit owners to cover the shortfall. When repairs or other unforeseen expenses arise, the cost must be covered somehow, and the unit owners are usually the only source of funding available.

One reason for this is that the funds typically held by the condo corporation through regular maintenance fees are not enough to cover large, unexpected expenses. In such cases, the corporation must raise additional money, and this is done by levying a special assessment. The amount each owner pays is typically based on the size of their unit or a predetermined formula outlined in the condo's governing documents.

2. Condo Loans: An Alternative, but Not Always the Best

   
   

While a special assessment is the primary way to fund a shortfall, condo corporations may also explore the option of taking out a condo loan. A condo loan is a loan taken out in the corporation's name to cover the cost of repairs. The repayment of the loan is then spread across all owners, often as part of their regular maintenance fees or as an additional charge.

However, securing a condo loan can present challenges. The board must first obtain approval from the owners, often through a vote. If the majority of owners vote against the loan, the corporation cannot proceed with this option. Furthermore, a loan does not eliminate the need for a special assessment. Even if the corporation successfully secures a loan, the shortfall still needs to be covered, which means a special assessment may still be required to meet the financial need.

The Reality of the Situation

Ultimately, the financial reality is that a condo corporation facing a shortfall in money must find a way to gather funds from the unit owners, one way or another. Whether through a special assessment or a condo loan (or a combination of both), the responsibility for financing repairs falls to the owners.

The board must carefully assess the cost of the repairs and the feasibility of either method of funding. While a condo loan may seem appealing to avoid a large immediate expense, the necessity for a special assessment remains. In many cases, the repair work must go forward regardless of whether the owners approve a loan or not.

Further Resources: Financial Shortfall in Condos

Read more about The Shortfall of Condo Reserve Fund Studies and What To Do If Your Condo Corporation Needs to Borrow Money

Our blog also offers a wealth of information on relevant condo law topics, making it a valuable resource for property managers and boards alike. Or, explore Stak’d, our library with over 10,000 hand-curated condo-related resources for additional summaries and tools, or dive deeper into our blog for more detailed discussions on topics that matter to you and your community.

Check out these expert-written articles:

• How to Manage Special Assessments

• Condo Boards and Special Assessments

Facing the Financial Shortfall Head-On: In Conclusion

When a condo corporation is faced with a financial shortfall, the situation can quickly become overwhelming. The need for essential repairs doesn’t go away just because funds are lacking, and the responsibility to raise the necessary money ultimately falls to the owners. While the board may explore different options such as a condo loan, the reality is that these loans do not eliminate the need for a special assessment. A condo loan can help spread the costs over time, but it still requires the owners to pay. 

Therefore, the primary solution to funding a shortfall remains a special assessment, which is levied on the owners to ensure the repairs go forward. It’s important for both the board and the owners to understand that when it comes to managing a shortfall, there are few easy solutions. The decision to levy a special assessment is rarely popular, but it is often the only way to ensure that the condo building remains in good condition and that repairs are completed in a timely manner. In the end, while the process may be difficult, it is a necessary part of maintaining the building’s integrity and value for all owners involved.

-Stratastic Inc.

P.S. Need expert financial advice for your condo? Connect with Jim Wallace, the Owner and President of Condominium Financial, or explore more financial professionals on our My Condo Vendor.

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