Meetings, Votes & Records
The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT): What It Is and When to Use It
Ontario's online tribunal for condo disputes handles more than most owners realize, and less than some expect.
The Condominium Authority Tribunal is Ontario's online adjudicative tribunal for certain condo disputes, operating under the Condominium Authority of Ontario. Its jurisdiction started with records disputes and has expanded over time to include some nuisance disputes, such as noise, odour, smoke, and vibration, along with certain pet, vehicle, and parking-related matters.
Because jurisdiction has changed since CAT launched, always confirm current scope directly with the Condominium Authority of Ontario before assuming your specific dispute qualifies. The process typically moves through three stages: negotiation, then mediation, then adjudication if needed.
What to check first
- 1Confirm your dispute type currently falls within CAT's jurisdiction before filing.
- 2Try a direct written request to the board or manager first and document the response.
- 3Gather all relevant correspondence and documents before starting a case.
- 4Understand the negotiation, mediation, and adjudication stages and their expected timelines.
- 5Check the filing fee that applies to your specific dispute type.
- 6Keep records of every submission and deadline in the online system.
- 7Consider whether a requisitioned meeting or direct negotiation might resolve the issue instead.
Common mistakes owners make
- Filing before attempting direct resolution with the board or manager.
- Assuming CAT covers every type of condo dispute. It doesn't cover all issues, including some financial and collections matters.
- Missing a stage deadline in the online process.
- Not organizing documents and evidence before starting a case.
- Treating a CAT order as equivalent to a full court judgment without understanding its specific scope.
Documents to gather
- Your written requests to the board or manager and their responses
- The records you were seeking, if this is a records dispute
- Evidence of the issue in question, such as logs, photos, or recordings where lawful
- Relevant corporation bylaws or rules
- CAT case correspondence once a case is filed
- Any prior board decisions on the same issue
When to get a closer look
- You're unsure whether your issue is within CAT's current jurisdiction.
- You want help organizing evidence before filing.
- The board isn't responding to a records request.
- You're weighing CAT against a requisitioned meeting or another option.
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Related reading
See how this plays out
Anonymized owner scenarios from a public Ontario condo-owner community group. Not client files.
Frequently asked questions
What disputes does CAT handle?
CAT's jurisdiction began with records disputes and has expanded over time to include some nuisance issues, such as noise, odour, smoke, and vibration, plus certain pet, parking, and vehicle matters. Confirm current scope directly, since it has changed since launch.
Do I need a lawyer to use CAT?
No. CAT is designed as an online, self-represented process, though some owners choose to get help preparing their case.
How much does it cost to file?
Fees vary by dispute type and stage, and are generally lower than court filing fees. Check CAT's current fee schedule for your specific dispute.
How long does a CAT case take?
Timelines vary depending on how far a case proceeds through negotiation, mediation, and adjudication. Some resolve in the earlier stages without a full hearing.
Can I go straight to adjudication?
Generally no. CAT cases typically move through negotiation and mediation stages first, with adjudication as a later step if the dispute isn't resolved.
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This page is plain-language educational information for Ontario condo owners. It is not legal advice, not an engineering inspection or opinion, and not a substitute for advice about your specific situation from a licensed professional. Condo Owner Advocate helps you understand your situation. You decide what to do.