Disputes with… Neighbours | Condo board or property manager | Developer |
Real estate professional | Lawyer
Given the shared nature of condominium living, it is inevitable that disputes will occur. Presently, there are no specific dispute resolution mechanisms in place to help condominium owners and boards deal with issues that arise. Depending on who are you dealing with, you may have to take a different approach to resolve a dispute.
Disputes with Neighbours
What can I do if I have a dispute with my neighbour?
If you have a dispute with your neighbour, here are some steps you can take to resolve the situation:
1) Speak directly with your neighbour about the issue. Your neighbour may not realize they are causing problems for you. They may not be aware of the condominium bylaws or rules, particularly if your neighbour is renting the unit. Be polite and diplomatic and see if you can come to a resolution.
2) Write a letter to your neighbour. If you were unable to reach a resolution by speaking with your neighbour, write them a letter outlining your concerns. Attach any relevant bylaws or rules to your letter. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
3) Write a letter to your condo board or property management company. If you haven’t had success resolving the dispute with your neighbour in-person or in writing, send a letter outlining your concerns to your condo board or property management company. Detail what steps you have taken to try and resolve the issue with your neighbour and list any and all issues you have had and when they have occurred. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
4) Consider your dispute resolution options
If the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws, you can engage in mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue as long as your neighbour agrees to it. Find a mediator or arbitrator through the ADR Institute of Alberta’s Online Directory.
The Court of King’s Bench is another option. If the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws or if your neighbour has engaged in “improper conduct”, you can make a court application. This is an expensive option and you should seek legal advice before proceeding.
What are some tips for dealing with a neighbour dispute?
- Keep a record of the dates and times of the issues you’re having. Detail what occurred and if you took any action to resolve.
- Keep a record of the complaints you make and to whom you make them, including copies of any written complaints made.
Can the condo board tell my neighbour about my complaint?
If you make a complaint against your neighbour, the condo board cannot tell your neighbour who made the complaint. The condo board can provide a copy of your letter of complaint provided all information that could reveal your identity is removed from the letter. For more information, see question 18 on Service Alberta’s FAQ.
What is improper conduct by an owner?
Improper conduct by an owner means:
- Failing to comply with the CPA, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws or
- Conduct that is oppressive or unfairly prejudicial to the corporation, a board member or another owner.
Disputes with a Condo board or property manager
What can I do if I have a dispute with my condo board or property manager?
If you have a dispute with your condo board or property manager, here are some recommended steps to take to resolve the situation:
1) Speak to a member of your condo board or property management company about your concerns. See if you can reach a mutually agreeable resolution to the issue.
2) Write a letter to your condo board. If you are unable to reach a resolution in-person, write a letter outlining your concerns and what resolution you would like to see. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
3) Consider your dispute resolution options
Provided the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws, you can engage in mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue as long as the condo board or property manager agrees to this dispute resolution method. Find a mediator or arbitrator by visiting the ADR Institute of Alberta’s Online Directory.
The Court of King’s Bench is another dispute resolution option. If the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws or if the property manager or condo board has engaged in “improper conduct”, you can make a court application. This is an expensive option and you should seek legal advice before proceeding.
What is improper conduct by the condo board or property manager?
- Failing to comply with the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws.
- Conducting the business affairs of the condominium corporation in an oppressive or unfairly prejudicial way, or in a manner that unfairly disregards the interests of an interested party.
- Exercising the powers of the condo board in an oppressive or unfairly prejudicial way, or in a manner that unfairly disregards the interests of an interested party.
Disputes with a Developer
What can I do if I have a dispute with my developer?
If you have a dispute with your condominium’s developer, here are some recommended steps to take to resolve the situation:
1) Speak with the developer about your concerns. Talk to one of the developer’s representatives to see if you can reach a solution.
2) Write a letter to the developer. If you are unable to reach a resolution in-person, write a letter to the developer outlining your concerns and what resolution you would like to see. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
3) Consider your dispute resolution options
Provided the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws, you can engage in mediation or arbitration to resolve the issue as long as the developer agrees to this dispute resolution method. Find a mediator or arbitrator by visiting the ADR Institute of Alberta’s Online Directory.
The Court of King’s Bench is another dispute resolution option. If the issue relates to the Condominium Property Act, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws or if the developer has engaged in “improper conduct”, you can make a court application. This is an expensive option and you should seek legal advice before proceeding.
What is improper conduct by the developer?
- Failing to comply with the CPA, its regulation, or the condo’s bylaws.
- Conducting the business affairs of the developer in an oppressive or unfairly prejudicial way, or in a manner that unfairly disregards the interests of an interested party or a purchaser or potential purchaser.
- When the developer exercises the powers of the condo board in an oppressive or unfairly prejudicial way, or in a manner that unfairly disregards the interests of an interested party or a purchaser or potential purchaser
Disputes with a Real Estate Professional
What can I do if I have a dispute with my real estate professional?
If you have a dispute with your real estate professional, here are some recommended steps to take to resolve the situation:
1) Speak with your real estate professional about your concerns. Open, honest communication is key to a healthy working relationship.
2) Write a letter to your real estate professional’s broker. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you may want to consider writing to your real estate professional’s broker. The broker is the equivalent to your real estate professional’s supervisor. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
3) File a complaint with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). In Alberta, RECA is the governing body responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals. Review RECA’s Guide to Complaints to determine whether you should file a complaint against your real estate professional.
Tips
- If you think you’re working with an unlicensed real estate professional, consult RECA’s Guide to Complaints Related to Unauthorized Practice.
- Keep copies of all correspondence you have with your real estate professional and their broker.
- Depending on the nature of the situation, you may wish to seek legal advice about other available remedies.
Disputes with a Lawyer
What can I do if I have a dispute with my lawyer?
If you have a dispute with your lawyer, here are some recommended steps to take to resolve the situation:
1) Speak with your lawyer about your concerns. Open, honest communication is key to a healthy working relationship. Try to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
2) Write a letter to your lawyer. If you are unable to resolve the issue in-person, write a letter to your lawyer outlining your concerns. If your lawyer is part of a larger firm, send the letter to the lawyer’s supervising partner at the firm. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
3) File a complaint with the Law Society of Alberta. Visit the Law Society of Alberta’s website and read their Complaint and Inquiry Guidelines to determine whether you should file a complaint against your lawyer.
Tips
- Keep copies of all correspondence you have with your lawyer.
- Depending on the nature of the situation, you may wish to seek legal advice about other available remedies.
Further Resources
- Condo Concepts: Sound Advice (Maria Bartolotti)
- Condo Concepts: The Condo Bully (Maria Bartolotti)
- Q&A by Robert Noce

The Condominium Property Amendment Act proposes to bring in new dispute resolution mechanisms and this website will be updated when these mechanisms are put in place.
Last updated: June 2022