When can a shipping container be said to be a home? Trick question

by admin | Jun 8, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Once you add windows and a door to such a structure, it can no longer be used to ship goods, so it should not be tied to that purpose, Bob Aaron argues. Are shipping containers a solution to Canada’s housing crisis? Should local bylaws prohibit their use in...

Can the cops point a video camera at your home without a search warrant? Can a condo owner put a video doorbell on the outside of their unit?

by admin | May 25, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Precedents show that courts can rule differently on matters involving video cameras and residences. Is it a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for the police to point a video camera at your home without a search warrant? Should the police be...

Smelling pot smoke from your condo neighbours? This online tribunal is ordering people to stop smoking in their units

by admin | May 11, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Body generally exercises its powers to alleviate or eliminate adverse effects of cannabis smoke in Ontario’s condo community. Since the legalization of cannabis, many owners and tenants living in Ontario condominiums have had the enjoyment of their units adversely...

The city of Toronto refused to sell this couple the land that makes up their backyard. Now they’re going to the Supreme Court — to claim squatter’s rights

by admin | Apr 24, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Court rarely hears cases about real estate. Prior owners of property enlarged yard by fencing in a huge piece of public parkland which they didn’t own. The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear an appeal of a case involving a claim for adverse possession, also...

Is that basement apartment legal? Can you rent it out? You better be sure

by admin | Apr 13, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Buyer beware! Purchase agreements almost always use what I call weasel terminology to avoid calling a unit illegal. It never fails to amaze me how some agreements of purchase and sale continue to use creative language to describe illegal basement apartments. Over the...

When you are leaving your house to your kids never use a will kit!

by admin | Mar 30, 2024 | 2024 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Ignore the promoters of cheap “legal will kits,” and their fill-in-the-blanks forms! You need a lawyer, or you will end up in court, advises Bob Aaron. When the time comes to make a last will to dispose of real estate, bank accounts, investments and other assets, it’s...