2015 Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Insurance must cover missing wall, court rules

One of the greatest shortfalls in Tarion’s consumer protection is in the area of marketing pre-construction houses and condominiums

One of the greatest shortfalls in Tarion’s consumer protection is in the area of marketing pre-construction houses and condominiums, Bob Aaron says.

Sellers aren’t required to answer questions about their property, but they have to be truthful in what they say.Agreeing to fill out a Seller Property Information Statement makes the seller liable for the answers they give.

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Insurance claims against Ontario real estate lawyers cost their insurance company an average of $20.7 million a year, according to a fact sheet published last week by LawPRO, the Law Society’s insurance company.  LawPRO provides...

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Under provincial law, the bottom of any navigable lakes or rivers typically belong to the Ontario Crown, and no docks or boathouses with foundations sitting on the bottom of a lake can be built without permission of the Minister of Natural...

TVs, gym equipment and a piano were among the items left in the house (and later found to be missing) by the owner’s estate.

Panel determines that repairs are responsibility of Tarion

“On closing” a tricky phrase when trying to ensure equipment is sound

If you plan to fight a condominium corporation, says Bob Aaron, be prepared for a ‘very risky and expensive undertaking.’

Is there a legal obligation for a seller to disclose pre-closing flood damage to the buyer? A court case over disclosure of basement flooding between a seller and buyer could make it to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Be smart and ensure address changes are complete – especially on government forms

Need for written contracts dated back to a 1677 English law

Real estate agents and builders don’t always tell you about the thousands of dollars in hidden fees

When parents assist with a down payment, it’s important to clarify in writing whether it is a gift or a loan before families fall apart.

New tax to cover the cost part of proposal for Condo Office

Having her uncle on title to get financing disqualifed an Oakville woman for federal rebate.

Plaque unveiled in London, Ont. marks Supreme Court ruling to ban property sale discrimination

The neighbours continued to have reasonable access to the laneway, judge ruled.

An unconditional deed delivered as a gift could step around estate tax