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.
- As of March 23, 2020, the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) has prohibited its members from hosting open houses to protect both their and the public’s safety. Realtors should use caution in showing homes and take precautions to reduce risk.
Condominium owners
- In Alberta, there is a 90 day deferral (until June 19, 2020) for electricity and natural gas utility bill payments. Check with your municipality if there will be a deferral with water services. A deferral means your payment is put off until later. Deferral also applies to sub-metered agreements. For more information on utility bill deferral:
- 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 are in effect during the pandemic under Ministerial Order (April 9, 2020), for example:
- Interim boards will continue to hold office if a meeting to elect first board is delayed.
- A person (other than a person who regularly resides in a unit) cannot enter a unit to replace, renew or restore any thing unless they are expressly or impliedly invited by a person who regularly resides in the unit, if
- Anyone regularly residing in the unit is self-isolating, in quarantine or displaying COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 or
- The person seeking entry is self-isolating, in quarantine or displaying COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19
- Requirements for the developer to hold a meeting to elect first board is suspended. But this does not stop a developer from convening a general meeting remotely (e.g., through videoconference or teleconference).
- The ability of an owner to hold a meeting to elect the first board (if the developer does not hold the meeting) is suspended.
- The requirement for an annual general meeting (AGM) to be held is suspended. But this does not stop a condominium corporation from holding an AGM remotely (e.g., through videoconference or teleconference).
- The requirement to hold owner-requested special general meetings is suspended.
- 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 suspended.
- For more information:
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
- Government of Alberta, Temporary changes for timelines, locations, etc. COVID-19
- 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: April 20, 2020
