This resource is a list of general information, tips from condominium experts and resources relevant to condominium buyers, owners and board members in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Events are rapidly changing due to the pandemic so this resource may change as new issues develop. This CPLEA resource provides general information only. It does not provide legal or professional advice.
Condominium buyers/sellers
- If you are a buyer, COVID-19 mitigation strategies may impact your property search. For example, you may expect (or experience) virtual or restricted showings and limited face-to-face interaction with your realtor during this time.
- If you are a seller, COVID-19 mitigation strategies may impact your property sale. You should discuss with your realtor what options are available to you during this time. For example, what to do when there are showings and what extra precautions you should take before and after with respect to cleaning/sanitizing the property.
- The Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) is in Stage 2 of its phased approach of allowing members to host open houses. Realtors should use caution in showing homes and take precautions to reduce risk.
Condominium owners
- Alberta’s Utility Payment Deferral Program ended on June 18, 2020. This program was for electricity and natural gas, regardless of the service provider. Check with your municipality if there is flexibility or deferral of payments for water service. Remember, deferral does not mean you don’t have to pay, it just means your payment is put off until later.
- If you are concerned about making mortgage payments on your condominium unit, contact your bank or lending institution. Many banks are supporting customers by allowing them to apply to defer mortgage payments for 6 months.
- If you are facing financial difficulties during the pandemic, you may also be eligible for financial assistance through the federal government.
- As of March 25, 2020, it is mandatory for returning international travellers and people with COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate. If you do not self-isolate, you can be fined by law enforcement agencies. More information on self-isolation is on the Government of Alberta’s website.
- If you are a landlord of a condominium unit, go to our CPLEA resource, COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants.
Condominiums boards
- Increase cleaning and disinfection of common areas (for example, lobbies, hallways, elevators). For more information:
- Consult with other board members and your condominium managers about developing special protocols around day-to-day condominium use and operations during the pandemic. For example:
- Condominium amenities (e.g., gyms, theatres, meeting rooms)
- Elevators
- Entry to condominium suites
- Move-ins/move-outs
- Deliveries
- Garbage disposal
- Current or planned repairs or work being done in units or on the condominium property
- Visitors
- Guest suites and short-term rentals
- Consider limiting unnecessary board meetings or moving board meetings on-line to support social distancing.
- As of March 25, 2020, it is mandatory for returning international travellers and people with COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate. If an owner refuses to self-isolate, refer to the Government of Alberta’s website for more information. You can also make a complaint on-line.
- Communication with owners is very important at this time. Keeping them informed of changes or protocols can help them take extra precautions to ensure their own health and safety, as well as other residents. For example, it may be prudent to:
- Install signage or post information in common areas about preventing the spread of COVID-19.
- Communicate to residents about any new protocols around day-to-day condominium use and operations during the pandemic.
- Give notice to condominium residents once you have confirmation from your public health authority of a COVID-19 case in your building. BUT you should NOT disclose any private, confidential information about the case (for example, name of the infected person) or location of the infected unit.
Condominium legislative changes
- A number of changes to the Condominium Property Act and Condominium Property Regulation under Ministerial Order expired on August 14th:
- Requirements to hold annual general meetings and in-person meetings are now reinstated.
- The suspension means time was paused. For example: The order came into effect on April 9, 2020 and expired on August 14th. If a condo corporation was required to have its AGM on May 9, 2020, it must now meet before September 13, 2020. May 9th fell 30 days after when the order came into effect and so the meeting must be held within 30 days of the order expiring.
- Restrictions on a landlord, potential buyer or potential renter entering residential premises due to COVID-19 ended. However, health and legal guidelines for isolating, quarantining and physical distancing remain in effect.
- The 5-year time period to carry out a reserve fund study, prepare a reserve fund report, approve the plan and provide owners with copies of the plan since the approval of most recent reserve fund plan is reinstated.
- If your corporation is considering online meetings, check your bylaws and talk to a lawyer to see if your board can legally do this.
- All provincial and municipal restrictions still apply, including regarding maximum sizes for indoor and outdoor gatherings, physical distancing, and mask-wearing (where applicable).
Resources
Government resources
- Government of Canada’s coronavirus info line: 1.833.784.4397 (available 7AM to midnight EST, 7 days/week)
- Canada COVID-19 webpage
- Alberta COVID-19 webpage
- Alberta Health Services, novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ for the Public
- Edmonton COVID-19 webpage
- Calgary COVID-19 webpage
Financial assistance
Alberta condominium and real estate resources
- Canadian Condominium Institute (North Alberta Chapter) – Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Condos – Meetings, Messaging and Maintenance
- Real Estate Council of Alberta’s (RECA) COVID-19 and Real Estate
- Alberta Real Estate Association COVID-19 Updates
Other
- Canadian Legal FAQs: COVID-19 (this page provides information and links for Albertans about changes in the law and legal services because of COVID-19)
- COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants
- Alberta Human Rights Commission, COVID-19 and Human Rights
- Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, privacy in a pandemic
Last updated: August 17, 2020
