The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) is Ontario’s online tribunal that handles specific disputes between condo owners and their condo corporations. It’s part of the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) and operates under the authority of the Condominium Act, 1998.
It’s 100% online, meaning you don’t need a lawyer or even leave your living room to hold your board accountable.
⚖️ What Kinds of Disputes Can CAT Handle?
CAT’s jurisdiction is growing, but here’s what it currently covers:
âś… Disputes CAT can resolve:
- Access to records (financials, minutes, legal invoices, etc.)
- Pets and animals (e.g. enforcement of pet rules)
- Vehicles and parking
- Storage
- Noise and nuisances
- Short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb issues)
- Reasonable use of property
- Harassment by the corporation or board
Important: If your board is withholding records, enforcing rules selectively, or retaliating through petty fines or false accusations – CAT may be your best starting point.
🔍 Why Is CAT Important for Owners?
- Fast: No need to wait months or years for a court date
- Affordable: Filing fee is $25–$200 – not $20,000 like your board’s lawyer may have billed
- Accessible: No lawyer required. Just evidence and common sense.
- Transparent: Decisions are published online. You can read how other boards lost.
- Enforceable: CAT orders are legally binding and enforceable in court if the board doesn’t comply.
đź› How CAT Helps You Fix the Power Imbalance
Boards often bank on owners being:
- uninformed,
- intimidated,
- or just too tired to fight.
CAT levels the playing field. It gives you a venue to:
- Demand records they’re hiding
- Challenge rules being used selectively
- Document and expose harassment
- Prove your side with actual evidence
đź“š Legal Backing:
CAT is governed by the:
- Condominium Act, 1998
- Condominium Authority Tribunal Rules
- Statutory Powers Procedure Act
And yes – board members have to comply.
“Closed session” isn’t a defence. Neither is “we asked our lawyer.”
🗣️ Real Impact
- Owners have won access to unredacted records showing hidden legal bills and misconduct
- Boards have been ordered to stop harassment and to remove illegal charges from unit ledgers
- The Divisional Court has confirmed: CAT has the power to make these orders – and boards must comply
âś… Summary
CAT is not just a tool – it’s your right.
Use it when your board acts like it owns the place.
Because it doesn’t. You do.
👉 If you believe your rights have been violated, contact us confidentially through the Condo Leak Tipline at www.CondoTribune.com/tipline – your story matters, and you’re not alone.
đź“ť While we are not lawyers, we’ve spent years learning the Condominium Act, tribunal process, and case law – and we’re here to help point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer: This post is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified lawyer.
