Condominium Act, 1998, s. 85

Lien upon default

Official text ↗ Checked against the official source on 2 November 2026

At a glance

When a lien arises: When an owner defaults on common expenses for the unit

“If an owner defaults in the obligation to contribute to the common expenses payable for the owner’s unit, the corporation has a lien against the owner’s unit”
Notice before a lien: Written notice at least 10 days before registering certificate

“At least 10 days before the day a certificate of lien is registered, the corporation shall give written notice of the lien to the owner whose unit is affected by the lien.”
Lien expiration: Expires three months after default unless certificate registered

“The lien expires three months after the default that gave rise to the lien occurred unless the corporation within that time registers a certificate of lien in a form prescribed by the Minister.”
Lien enforcement: Enforced in the same manner as a mortgage

“The lien may be enforced in the same manner as a mortgage.”
Lien discharge: Discharge registered upon payment; owner advised in writing

“Upon payment of the amounts described in subsection (3), the corporation shall prepare and register a discharge of the certificate of lien in the form prescribed by the Minister and shall advise the owner in writing”

Each fact is shown with the exact words of the statute it comes from. Your association's governing documents may also apply.

Official text

Copy retrieved from www.ontario.ca. Always rely on the official source for the current version.

Show the full text of Condominium Act, 1998, s. 85

Lien upon default 85 (1) If an owner defaults in the obligation to contribute to the common expenses payable for the owner’s unit, the corporation has a lien against the owner’s unit and its appurtenant common interest for the unpaid amount together with all interest owing and all reasonable legal costs and reasonable expenses incurred by the corporation in connection with the collection or attempted collection of the unpaid amount. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (1); 2015, c. 28, Sched. 1, s. 78 (1). Expiration of lien (2) The lien expires three months after the default that gave rise to the lien occurred unless the corporation within that time registers a certificate of lien in a form prescribed by the Minister. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (2). Certificate of lien (3) A certificate of lien when registered covers, (a) the amount owing under all of the corporation’s liens against the owner’s unit that have not expired at the time of registration of the certificate; (b) the amount by which the owner defaults in the obligation to contribute to the common expenses payable for the owner’s unit after the registration of the certificate; and (c) all interest owing and all reasonable legal costs and reasonable expenses that the corporation incurs in connection with the collection or attempted collection of the amounts described in clauses (a) and (b), including the costs of preparing and registering the certificate of lien and a discharge of it. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (3); 2015, c. 28, Sched. 1, s. 78 (1). Notice to owner (4) At least 10 days before the day a certificate of lien is registered, the corporation shall give written notice of the lien to the owner whose unit is affected by the lien. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (4). (5) Repealed: 2015, c. 28, Sched. 1, s. 78 (2). Lien enforcement (6) The lien may be enforced in the same manner as a mortgage. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (6). Discharge of lien (7) Upon payment of the amounts described in subsection (3), the corporation shall prepare and register a discharge of the certificate of lien in the form prescribed by the Minister and shall advise the owner in writing of the particulars of the registration. 1998, c. 19, s. 85 (7).

The same topic in other jurisdictions

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