Adding relative’s name on a property title can backfire

by admin | Dec 23, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Judge ruled there was no oppressive conduct on parents’ part that would justify the daughter’s position that she did not want to sell the house. It’s not uncommon for relatives to add their names onto the title of a house to help the real owner...

Can property deed be registered after death to avoid probate fee?

by admin | Dec 9, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca ‘Zombie’ deeds have sparked a tricky legal debate. If a homeowner signs a deed to a house or other parcel of land during his or her lifetime, can it be registered after death to avoid the government’s 1.5 per cent probate fee? Many real estate...

City should scrap right-of-entry permits

by admin | Nov 11, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca With houses built so close together, permits to access neighbours’ space are too onerous. With so many Toronto homes built within a few feet — or even inches — of each other, it can be a problem when an owner needs access to their neighbour’s...

Government has no excuse for delaying consumer protection sections of new Condominium Act

by admin | Oct 28, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca There is no timetable for many key consumer protection amendments to the former condo act. With parts of the new Condominium Act coming into force on Nov. 1, prominent Toronto condominium lawyer Audrey Loeb has expressed concern over the...

Delayed action on consumer protection for homeowners a sad reflection on provincial government

by admin | Oct 14, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Ontario consumers will have to wait until 2020 for more regulations governing home and condo deposits. The Ontario government acted with speed in imposing a new non-resident tax on real estate purchases. But when it comes to protecting consumer...

Condo corporations need to prepare plans to deal with marijuana use before it becomes a problem

by admin | Sep 30, 2017 | 2017 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Bob Aaron bob@aaron.ca Questions are being raised about whether landlords will be able to restrict cannabis in residential units. When marijuana becomes legal next summer, landlords, tenants and condominium owners can expect an increase in disputes related to both...