Commercial Condo Management
As of December 1, 2021, all individuals and companies providing condominium management services in Alberta must be licensed by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). This significant change recognizes the specialized work involved in condominium management and ensures higher standards of professionalism for condo managers across the province.
At CMS Real Estate, we have taken the necessary steps to align with these new regulations and to further enhance our expertise and provide reliable management services for condo managers and corporations. Our team has completed specialized training through the Alberta Condominium Management Education Consortium (ACMEC), which provides education for condominium managers and board members in Alberta. We also hold the Certified Condominium Specialist (CCS®) designation, awarded by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®), which certifies our knowledge in key areas like condo management, legislation, and financial operations.
Why Licensing Is Imperative for Condo Managers
Trust & Qualification
Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) licensing ensures condo managers have completed rigorous education and exams, aligning them with Alberta’s Condominium Property Act to have the proper qualifications required to build trust and have a solid reputation.
Professional Standards
licensing helps maintain consistent professional standards, benefiting condo boards, owners, and tenants.
Consumer Protection
This initiative protects condo owners and buyers by confirming that managers are trained, accountable, and follow a strict code of conduct.
Our Specialized Training & Certification: CCS®
A Certified Condominium Specialist (CCS®) is a real estate professional in Alberta who has completed extensive coursework covering topics unique to condominium transactions, including:
Condominium Governance: Understanding how condo boards operate, creating and enforcing bylaws, and the importance of reserve funds.
Legal Framework: Familiarity with the Condominium Property Act, required disclosures, and relevant contracts.
Financial Considerations: Assist with the evaluation of condo fees, special assessments, and budgeting for long-term maintenance.
The CCS® designation gives our team a recognized edge, enabling us to assist condominium boards and unit owners on best practices for management operations.
Commercial & Industrial Condominium Property Management
While many of the principles apply to any condo setting, commercial & industrial condominium property management focuses on spaces such as warehouses, workshops, and manufacturing units. Here’s how it works:
Ownership & Common Areas
Each owner holds title to their individual industrial unit, while shared spaces—such as driveways, parking lots, and landscaping—are jointly owned by all unit owners.
Condo Fees
Each owner contributes to a fund that covers shared maintenance, insurance, and repairs, including a reserve fund for future large-scale expenditures.
Condominium Corporation
All unit owners form a Condominium Corporation, setting rules, managing finances, and hiring a property management company as needed. A Board of Directors (made up of unit owners) collaborates with the property manager to serve everyone’s best interests.
Day-to-Day Operations
We support condominium boards by assisting with management for services such as landscaping, snow removal and external building maintenance, ensuring they meet the standards set out by Alberta’s standards and regulations, preserving the property’s value and functionality.
Property Management Role
As licensed professionals with specialized knowledge in condominium management, CMS Real Estate will:
- Provide guidance to boards on maintenance strategies
- Assist in the interpretation of condo bylaws and regulations
- Support in the coordination of service providers when requested (for a simple and smooth process)
- Help prepare for reserve fund studies or major capital planning
Licensed Condominium Property Managers vs. Unlicensed Property Managers
While unlicensed property managers handle individual rental units, licensed condominium property managers specialize in overseeing the shared spaces, finances, and governance of an entire condo community.
While unlicensed property managers handle individual rental units, licensed condominium property managers specialize in overseeing the shared spaces, finances, and governance of an entire condo community.
Licensing & Regulation:
Condominium managers must be licensed by RECA and meet specific educational requirements.
Basic managers may not require the same licensing, depending on the property type and location.
Focus & Responsibilities:
Condominium managers work closely with condo boards, focusing on common areas, reserve funds, and management strategies.
Basic managers concentrate on tenant selection, rent collection, and maintenance for individual landlords.
Legal & Financial Duties:
Condo managers oversee the association’s finances and insurance for the entire condo corporation.
Basic managers deal primarily with individual leases and routine maintenance requests.
Work Structure:
Condo managers report to a Board of Directors, adhering to condo bylaws and community regulations.
Basic managers report to individual property owners or investors.
Why Choose CMS Real Estate?
CMS Real Estate Ltd., we bring full expert-led guidance and professional assurance to every board we support. As fully licensed professionals through the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and certified CCS® specialists, we adhere to Alberta’s latest regulations and standards, and our guidance helps ensure your condominium property is managed with the highest level of integrity and care.
Our CCS® certification provides specialized expertise in governance, legal matters, and financial management tailored specifically to condominium properties. We understand the unique challenges of managing commercial and industrial condominiums and design our property management approach to meet the specific needs of these spaces.
Our services are comprehensive, offering expert management for condo boards navigating governance, budgeting, and operations, without replacing the board’s direct oversight or responsibilities. We offer a streamlined solution for your property management needs. Beyond property management guidance, our extensive real estate knowledge allows us to assist with real estate transactions and tenant representation, creating a simplified, cohesive experience for owners and stakeholders alike.
Recommendations & Next Steps
If you are a condo board member or owner looking to streamline your commercial & industrial condominium operations, here are some ways to move forward:
Assess Your Reserve Fund: Conduct or update a reserve fund study to stay proactive in planning for major repairs or replacements.
Consider Professional Management: A licensed condo property manager can handle finances and maintenance and reduce your board’s workload.
Explore Real Estate Services: If you plan to lease or sell units, our licensed real estate associates can help you navigate the process smoothly.
Ready to Level Up Your Condo Operations?
Contact CMS Real Estate today to learn more about how our condominium management expertise can help you with your next commercial or industrial investment. Our licensed professionals will help guide your board through the needed requirements, best practices, and strategic planning for you and your operations.
