TREB’s fear-mongering hurts its arguments against the Competition Bureau

by admin | Apr 14, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca There are many good reasons to support the Toronto Real Estate Board in its battle with the federal Competition Bureau. After all, TREB created the Multiple Listing Service, investing millions of dollars in its operation, and now the competition...

Basement apartments are a minefield for the uninformed

by admin | Mar 31, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca My column on basement apartments earlier this month (http://aaron.ca/columns/2012-03-17.htm)  seems to have touched a nerve among homeowners and real estate agents, many of whom sent me emails. The message in the column was that simply using the...

Basement apartments must comply with code

by admin | Mar 17, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca When real estate agents prepare offers for a house with a basement apartment, they typically insert a clause stating that “seller does not warrant retrofit status.” This results in the purchaser taking the risk of getting caught by city...

Fight over grading issues ends in court

by admin | Mar 3, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Whenever a new subdivision is built, the subdivider is required to enter into a development agreement with the municipality. Part of each agreement is a requirement for the developer to implement a city-approved grading plan. The plan ensures...

Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut was a human rights advocate

by admin | Feb 18, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca It is not unusual for lawyers, as we advance through our careers, to assemble a short list of our heroes in the legal field – outstanding individuals who have earned our admiration for their achievements in the law They may be judges, authors,...

Badly placed fences make angry neighbours

by admin | Feb 4, 2012 | 2012 Toronto Star Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Frank and Dolores Lipischak are next-door neighbours to Diana DeWolf and Joe Russ on Caille Ave. in the town of Lakeshore in Essex County. Their homes front on Lake St. Clair and their deep lots back onto the municipal street. When the...