Alberta condo dispute resolution tribunal now active

The downtown Edmonton skyline. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)

Albertans can now submit applications to the Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal to resolve disputes.

The tribunal is active as of April 1 and aims to increase transparency and strengthen protections for condo owners.

Regulations came into force early last month and requires condos to have a mandatory technical analysis done by an independent engineer or architect within four years of occupancy that is paid for by the condo board.

“One in five Albertans live in condos, yet for too long there has been no practical or affordable way to resolve everyday disputes,” said Dale McNally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, in a statement Wednesday.

“This new tribunal is a major step forward to strengthen consumer protections, improve governance and give condo communities the tools they’ve been asking for.”

Other measures put in place by the province include:

• Chargebacks are now treated like condominium contributions, with a clear process, capped costs (up to $50,000) and a 30-day right of appeal.
• General meetings may use a simple vote, with one vote per owner unless a unit-factor vote is requested.
• Owners gain earlier representation on interim boards once 25 per cent of units are sold.
• Courts may award costs when actions against board members are unsuccessful, and insurance claims are not required to recover costs up to the deductible.
• Technical analysis requirements apply only to new condominiums occupied after the coming-into-force date.
• Starting in 2026, a $9 yearly service fee per unit along with user-paid application fees, will sustainably fund the Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal.