As of December 1, 2021, the rules around managing condominiums in Alberta have changed in a significant way. Under the new regulations set by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), all individuals and companies providing condominium management services must now be licensed.
This regulatory update formally recognizes the specialized role of condo managers, raising the bar on accountability, education, professional and ethical standards across the province. At CMS Real Estate, we help ensure that the quality of management is aligned with the updated requirements under Alberta’s Condominium Property Act.
Whether you oversee a commercial condo in a retail strip or manage industrial warehouse bays, the licensing requirements for condominium managers in Alberta are important to know in this ever-changing market.
Why Licensing Matters
Condominium management is more than simply coordinating repairs or collecting fees. It involves handling corporate funds, overseeing legal compliance, enforcing bylaws, and ensuring clear communication with boards and owners. These responsibilities impact property value, operational stability, and owner trust.
RECA’s new licensing framework is designed to:
- Protect the condo owners
- Improve consistency and quality across management practices and ethical requirements
- Promote transparency and accountability
- Recognize the professionalism of licensed managers
For condo boards, this means working with licensed managers or companies to ensure your internal practices meet the new legal expectations to secure longevity.
Who Needs a License?
Everyone and anyone providing condominium management services in Alberta must now be licensed by RECA. This new level of expectations includes:
- Managing the financials of a condo corporation
- Coordinating repair, maintenance, or vendor services
- Supporting board operations and governance
- Enforcing bylaws and resolving owner concerns
Whether you operate independently or as part of a company, these services fall under RECA’s licensing requirements. Unlicensed activity is no longer permitted and can carry legal consequences.
The Role of Education
To become licensed, managers must complete the appropriate education program approved by RECA. In Calgary, options such as the CREB condominium management courses help prepare candidates for the knowledge and professionalism now required by law. One important factor to note is that CREB provides a basic property management license; however, further certification is required for condominium management.
For boards and companies unfamiliar with these programs or unsure how to align with the new requirements, that’s where CMS Real Estate can help!
How CMS Real Estate Can Help
At CMS, we offer management services for commercial and industrial condo boards, a necessity in today’s ever-evolving market. Our team helps boards understand how Alberta’s updated regulations affect their operations and what they need to stay compliant, on course and maintain longevity.
Here’s how we can support your board:
- Clarify which RECA licensing requirements apply to your situation
- Assist in reviewing policies, financial practices, and governance models
- Help identify gaps in your compliance and provide recommendations
- Offer strategic advice on board responsibilities and vendor oversight
Our goal is to ensure you’re operating within RECA guidelines, protecting both your condo corporation and its members.
Why It Matters in Calgary’s Commercial Market
In Calgary’s competitive commercial and industrial real estate landscape, regulatory compliance is about maintaining professional credibility – in other words, your reputation is everything. Business owners, investors, and condo boards alike need to work with advisors who are well-versed in licensing requirements for condominium managers in Alberta and understand the nuances of commercial condo governance.
Whether you manage a retail plaza, a medical building, or an industrial bay, the expectations are the same: your board must operate with clarity, professionalism, and compliance with the new regulations.
Get Expert Help Today
The licensing deadline may have passed, but ensuring your condo board is aligned with RECA’s expectations is just as important today. If you’re uncertain about your compliance status, CMS Real Estate can help you gain clarity.
We bring decades of commercial experience and the latest insights into Alberta’s condo legislation to every client.
Let us help you build confidence, reduce liability, and support your board’s success.
Have questions? Contact CMS Real Estate today to learn more!
Or for more specialized assistance, contact Maureen Macdonald today!
Blog posts from CMS Real Estate are for general information only. The content should not be considered real estate management or investment advice. If you are in need of professional real estate advice, please contact our team.