As of December 1, 2021, the rules governing condominium management in Alberta have changed significantly. Under the new regulations set by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), all individuals and companies providing commercial condo 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 management quality aligns 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, it’s essential that you understand the licensing requirements for condominium managers in Alberta.
Why Licensing Matters in Commercial Condo Management Services
Condo management is more than simply coordinating repairs or collecting fees. It involves:
- Handling corporate funds
- Overseeing legal compliance
- Enforcing bylaws
- Ensuring clear communication with boards and owners
Without a licensed professional, your board faces increased financial risk, potential lawsuits, and a loss of owner trust—all of which directly impact your property’s value and the board members’ personal liability.
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 requirements and support long-term sustainability.
Who Needs a License?
Anyone providing condominium management services in Alberta must now be licensed through RECA. This includes responsibilities such as:
- Managing a condo corporation’s financials
- Coordinating repairs, maintenance, and vendor services
- Supporting board operations and governance
- Enforcing bylaws and addressing owner concerns
Whether you work independently or as part of a management company, these duties fall under RECA’s licensing requirements. Unlicensed activity is no longer permitted and may result in legal consequences.
RECA recognizes three classes of condominium management licensing:
- Condominium Manager Associate
- Associate Broker
- Broker
To remain compliant, your board must ensure that the brokerage itself is properly licensed—not just the individual manager. This distinction is crucial for meeting Alberta’s regulatory standards and protecting your corporation.
The Role of Education in Commercial Condo Management Services
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 point is that CREB provides a basic property management license. However, further certification is necessary 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 industrial and commercial condo management services for boards. Our team can help you understand how Alberta’s updated regulations affect your operations and what you 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!
With decades of commercial condo management service experience and the latest insights into Alberta’s evolving regulations, we’re here to strengthen your governance, reduce liability, and set your board up for long-term success.
Ready for clarity and confidence in your condo management? Contact CMS Real Estate 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do self-managed condo boards need a RECA license?
No, condominium boards that choose to self-manage their corporation do not need a RECA licence. Self-managed corporations—including boards managing their own affairs or employees managing on behalf of the board—are exempt from the licensing requirements.
How can I verify if my current condo manager is licensed?
To verify your commercial condo manager’s licensing status, visit RECA’s public license search tool, ProCheck.
What are the specific RECA educational requirements for condo managers in Calgary?
To become licensed as a condominium manager in Alberta (including Calgary), RECA requires completion of pre-licensing education courses and exams, which typically include:
Fundamentals of Condominium Management
Practice of Condominium Management
These courses are offered by RECA-approved providers, and successful completion allows candidates to write the RECA licensing exam for a Condominium Manager Associate licence.
How long does it take for a new condominium manager to become licensed?
Timelines vary, but completing the required RECA-approved education, exams, and licensing applications can take several months. New candidates must budget time for coursework, assessments, and background checks before they can legally practice.