FAQ
We know that property management can bring up many questions and we’re here to help. In this section, Urbantec Property Management Inc. answers the most frequent inquiries to make your experience smooth and worry free.
General Questions
What is a condomnium corporation?
A condominium corporation is a legal entity created when a condo plan is registered in Alberta. It’s responsible for managing common property, maintaining shared amenities, handling finances, and representing the collective interests of all unit owners. Every condo building in Alberta operates under a corporation structure as outlined in the Condominium Property Act.
What does a condo management company do?
A professional condo management company handles day-to-day operations for your condominium corporation. This includes financial administration, maintenance coordination, bylaw enforcement, vendor management, emergency response, and board support. We act as your corporation’s operational partner, ensuring smooth governance and protecting your property investment.
What size of condominium does UrbanTec manage?
We work with condominium properties of all sizes throughout Calgary and Alberta from boutique 6-unit townhome buildings to large complexes with hundreds of units. Our services are customized to fit your community’s specific needs and budget, regardless of property size.
Financial Management
What is a reserve fund and why is it required?
A reserve fund is a mandatory savings account for major repairs and replacements, required under Alberta’s Condominium Property Act. It ensures your building can afford future capital expenses like roof replacement, parkade repairs, or elevator upgrades without imposing large special assessments on owners. Regular reserve fund studies help plan for these costs.
How are condo fees determined?
Condo fees are calculated based on your annual operating budget divided among unit owners, typically according to unit factor (your proportional share of the building). Fees cover common property maintenance, insurance, utilities, reserve fund contributions, management fees, and other operational expenses. Your board approves the budget and presents it at the annual general meeting.
What happnes if owners don’t pay their condo fees?
The Condominium Property Act gives corporations strong collection powers. Unpaid fees accumulate with interest and become a lien against the unit. The corporation can restrict access to amenities, pursue legal action, and ultimately foreclose on the unit if necessary. Prompt collection protects all owners from bearing the financial burden of non-payers.
Can condo fees increase without owner approval?
The board approves the annual budget, which determines condo fees. While owners vote on the budget at the AGM, the board has authority to set fees to meet operational needs. Significant increases should be justified through transparent financial reporting and reserve fund planning to minimize surprise costs.
What are special assessments?
Special assessments are one-time fees levied on owners for major expenses not covered by the reserve fund or operating budget. While they can’t always be avoided, proper financial planning and regular reserve fund studies significantly reduce the likelihood of surprise assessments.
Governance & Legal
What is the Alberta Condominium Property Act?
The Condominium Property Act is the provincial legislation governing how condominiums are created, operated, and managed in Alberta. It outlines the structure of condo corporations, board responsibilities, owner rights, financial requirements, bylaw enforcement, and dispute resolution processes. All Alberta condominiums must comply with this Act and its regulations.
What are condo bylaws and can they be changed?
Bylaws are the rules governing your condominium community, covering topics like pets, parking, renovations, noise, and rental restrictions. They must be registered with Alberta’s Land Titles Office to be enforceable. Changing bylaws requires a special resolution — at least 75% of unit owners (representing 75% of unit factors) must approve amendments.
What is Bill 30 and how does it affect condos?
Bill 30, passed in December 2024, introduces significant reforms to Alberta’s condominium laws. Key changes include a new online dispute resolution tribunal (launching 2025-2026), enhanced board protections, simplified voting procedures, and stronger chargeback authority. These updates aim to make condo governance more efficient and accessible.
How many board members are required?
The Condominium Property Act requires a minimum of three board members. Larger buildings often have five to seven members according to their bylaws. Board members are elected by unit owners at the annual general meeting and serve as volunteers. They’re responsible for making decisions that protect and enhance the property on behalf of all owners.
Are board members personally liable for decisions?
When board members act in good faith and within the scope of their duties, they’re generally protected from personal liability. Bill 30 strengthened these protections. However, board members should avoid conflicts of interest, follow proper procedures, and consult professionals for major decisions. Directors’ and officers’ insurance provides additional protection.
What documents can owners access?
Unit owners have the right to access key corporate documents including meeting minutes, financial statements, the reserve fund study, bylaws, insurance policies, and correspondence related to their unit. The Condominium Property Act specifies access procedures. Some documents may have associated fees for copying or preparation.
Maintenance & Operations
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
The corporation maintains common property, hallways, elevators, roofs, building envelopes, parkades, and shared amenities. Unit owners are responsible for everything within their unit boundaries, typically from the drywall inward. Your condominium plan and bylaws define exact boundaries, which can vary between properties.
What about emergency situations?
We provide 24/7 emergency support for situations that threaten property or safety—floods, fire, elevator entrapment, security issues, or major system failures. Our team responds immediately, coordinates emergency services, communicates with owners, and ensures proper documentation for insurance claims.
How do you handle bylaw violations?
We follow a structured enforcement process under Alberta regulations. Violations receive written notice explaining the issue and required corrective action. Residents have at least 3 days to respond or remedy the situation. If violations persist, fines may be imposed up to $500 for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent violations, subject to your registered bylaws. We work in collaboration with the board of directors and tailor our approach to each situation based on input from all involved parties.
Annual General Meeting (AGMs)
What is an AGM and when must it be held?
An annual general meeting is a mandatory gathering of all unit owners held once per year. The Condominium Property Act requires AGMs to review financial statements, approve budgets, elect board members, and address owner concerns. AGMs must be held within 15 months of the previous one.
Can we hold meetings virtually?
Yes, Alberta law permits virtual meetings using electronic means like video conferencing. This allows owners to participate regardless of location, often improving attendance. Hybrid meetings combining in-person and virtual attendance are also common and effective.
What decisions require a special resolution?
Major decisions need 75% owner approval including bylaw amendments, substantial changes to common property, significant borrowing, and certain legal actions. Regular decisions typically require a simple majority at properly noticed meetings. Voting power is based on unit factors, not one-vote-per-owner.
Working with UrbanTec
What areas do you serve?
UrbanTec provides professional condominium management services throughout Calgary and surrounding areas including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and the greater Alberta region. Our local presence ensures we understand your market and can respond quickly to your property’s needs.
How do we get started with UrbanTec?
Contact us for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your property’s specific needs, current challenges, and management goals. We’ll provide a customized proposal outlining our services, approach, and transparent pricing. There’s no obligation — we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Ready to Experience Professional Condo Management?
Urban Tec is committed to protecting your investment and enhancing your community. Our expertise in Alberta’s Condominium Property Act, combined with responsive service and transparent communication, sets the standard for condominium management in Calgary.
Contact UrbanTec today for a free consultati on and discover how professional management can benefit your condominium corporation.
What makes UrbanTec different from other Calgary condo management companies?
UrbanTec combines responsive communication, financial transparency, and proactive property management. We limit manager portfolios to ensure personalized attention, use modern technology for efficiency, and maintain active involvement in Alberta’s condominium industry. We pride ourselves in having a collaborative relationship with our board of directors. Our approach prevents problems rather than just reacting to them.
Are you managers accredited?
Yes, our team holds professional designations including ACM (Accredited Condominium Manager) from ACMA (Association of Condominium Managers of Alberta). These credentials demonstrate expertise in Alberta’s condominium laws, financial management, governance, and industry best practices. Continuing education keeps our knowledge current. All our senior managers hold their current licensing with RECA.
Is switching management companies difficult?
Not at all. We handle the entire transition process reviewing documents, setting up financial systems, introducing our online portal, meeting with your board, and communicating with residents. Most transitions are completed seamlessly within 30-60 days. We work alongside your current management company to ensure continuity.