Bill 72 and Condo Act Changes — What It Actually Means for Your Corporation

Ontario's Bill 72, the Protecting Condominium Owners Act, introduced significant changes to how condominium corporations are governed and managed. Here's what boards and owners need to understand.

The Core Changes

Mandatory licensing for managers. Before Bill 72, anyone could call themselves a condominium manager. Now, managers and management companies must be licensed by the CMRAO. This creates accountability and gives corporations recourse when managers fall short.

Enhanced owner rights. Owners have improved access to records, clearer processes for raising concerns, and access to the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) for certain disputes.

Stronger financial requirements. Reserve fund studies must meet updated standards. Corporations must follow their reserve fund plans more rigorously.

Updated meeting rules. AGM and board meeting requirements have been modernized, including provisions for electronic participation.

What It Means in Practice

For boards: You are now working with licensed professionals who are subject to a code of ethics and regulatory oversight. You have the right to expect professional conduct — and the CMRAO to complain to if you don't get it.

For owners: You have more tools to access information and raise concerns. The CAT provides a relatively accessible forum for certain disputes without requiring full litigation.

For management providers: Licensing raises the floor. Providers who were operating below professional standards face real consequences now. Those who were already operating well have a framework that validates their approach.

What Hasn't Changed

The fundamental governance structure of condominiums — the Act, the declaration, by-laws, and rules — remains the same. The board still governs. The manager still implements. Owners still have rights and responsibilities.

What's changed is the accountability framework around management. That's a meaningful improvement for the sector.

Staying Current

Ontario's condo legislation continues to evolve. Boards that stay informed — through their management provider, through ACMO, CCI, or CAI, or through legal counsel — are better positioned to govern effectively.

If you're not sure whether your corporation is compliant with current requirements, ask your manager. That's exactly the kind of question they should be able to answer.