Expensive proceedings are not always the answer in solving disputes.

Condo owners paid $21,000 special assessment fees and sale closed; then entire condominium complex burned down.

This ruling means many associations will lack the power to enforce payments

Purchase provision allows automatic increase in offer to beat another buyer’s top bid.

After signing an agreement, couple found out their house was connected underground to their neighbour.

The Ontario government requires information be culled about prospective buyers that is nearly impossible to authenticate.

Until the new legislation was passed last month, anyone with a flashlight and a business card could call himself or herself a home inspector.

Financial obligations, such as a requirement to pay monthly dues for parks, beaches or roadways, are only enforceable against parties to the contract. They don’t usually bind later purchasers.

Final cost of taxes and inevitable litigation will be borne by the ultimate buyers of the residential units to be built.

Supreme Court rejects appeal of ruling that developer misled investors with rental-income estimates. But the company is in receivership and the condo/hotel is for sale.

Judge rules exclusions for ground, surface water did not apply to flood caused by dam breach.

Making misrepresentations in listings, sale agreements or SPIS forms is risky, as recent court ruling of fraud shows.

Courts uphold insurance ruling that water seepage through foundation walls is not covered under homeowners’ policy.

How one landlord followed all the rules but went 18 months without being paid rent.

Real-estate agents are obligated to discover and disclose material facts, which include what pipes and fittings were used when a condominium was built.

Ottawa owners breached condo declaration by renting unit out through Airbnb website, reinforcing earlier court case involving Toronto condo.

When a home inspection is waived prior to purchasing a house, it is very difficult to win a lawsuit down the line.

Toronto property taxes are so low the city has been left with a gaping budget hole that must be filled.

Landmark case protects homebuyers with title insurance from hidden physical defects that make the home unmarketable.

Although the buyer could face extra costs, don’t write off the opportunity just yet.

New real-estate company in Picton is owned by local law firm, allowing it to shake up the traditional commission-fee structure.

Court decision emphasizes it’s the house buyer, not the seller, who is most at risk.

Tarion’s enforcement arm is set to target real-estate agents who are involved in selling unregistered homes.

Tarion’s limit for deposit protection — $20,000 on condos and $40,000 on homes — hasn’t changed in years.

Over-charging homeowners to help intensify urban housing defeats the purpose.

Too many renters are getting away with not paying rent, then appealing eviction orders.

Since 1997, 94 court cases in Ontario have been pinned to the Seller Property Information Statement.

Web-based money transfer system’s goal is to streamline real-estate closings. But is it needed?

Tarion warranties need to be improved, and a forthcoming report on improving consumer protections should address delayed occupancy compensation

Some simple solutions to help keep the taxman’s fingers out of your pockets.

Only a survey prepared by an Ontario land surveyor can confirm that the cottage is situated inside the appropriate land boundaries.

Proposed scheme full of unanswered questions on money safeguards, timing of transfers and discharging prior mortgages.

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca In this province, anyone with a business card and a flashlight can be a home inspector. But after more than three years of study, the Liberals are still not ready to proceed...

Until now, when a cousin, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, friend or business associate is registered on title for mortgage purposes, none of the buyers can get the rebate.

‘Administration fee’ that will now be charged on municipal land transfer tax is $75 — plus HST

What would you do if you found a gold bar while renovating someone’s house?

Recent court decisions have ruled in favour of condo buyers seeking a refund of their deposits following a discrepancy between the initial documents they signed and the final sale agreement.

The way some builders calculate estimated taxes is not the way the city does it and the result is a significant overcharge to buyers.

Interest Act is intended to protect property owners against abusive lending practices.

Toronto’s Laneway Project offers the perfect chance to honour these famous local comedians, suggests Bob Aaron.

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, Bob Aaron says.

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

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,...

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...

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

Early pipe failure has sparked cross-border class-action lawsuit

Ensure you’re covered for municipal work orders, building bylaw violations

Questions arise about obligation to disclose whether property has stigma

Title insurers shocked by claims over inaccuracies in documents. Ensure your lawyer checks your deed for the correct condo unit numbers. Or, better, do the review with your lawyer.