When to Hire an Expert: Protecting Your Board and Your Condo

If you sit on the board of a self managed condo, you know how much heart and time goes into keeping things running smoothly. You care about your building, your neighbors, and your community’s future. But sometimes, that same sense of responsibility can bring stress. You want to make the right decisions, but you may not always feel fully equipped to handle legal, financial, or technical issues.

The truth is, you are not expected to know everything. The Condominium Act recognizes that volunteer board members are not experts in every field. That is why the law includes an important safeguard that protects you when you seek professional help.

Understanding What the Law Says

Under the Condominium Act, 1998 in Ontario the so-called standard of care for directors is clear. Section 37(1) states that “Every director and every officer of a corporation in exercising the powers and discharging the duties of office shall (a) act honestly and in good faith; and (b) exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.”

That section is worth keeping in mind because it shows that the law does not expect perfection. It expects reasonableness. And sometimes, the most reasonable thing a board can do is to ask for help.

Section 37, subsection 3 of the Condominium Act states that a director is not personally liable if they rely in good faith on a report or opinion from a professional, such as “a lawyer, engineer, public accountant, appraiser, or any other person whose profession lends credibility.”

In other words, if your board consults a qualified professional and acts honestly based on that advice, the law recognizes that you have acted responsibly. Even if the outcome is not perfect, this good-faith reliance protects directors from personal liability.

Why Hiring an Expert is Smart Leadership

Many self managed condos hesitate to bring in professionals because they worry about cost. But in truth, expert help often saves money, time, and stress in the long run.

Think of engineers who can spot early signs of structural issues before they become expensive repairs. Lawyers who can review contracts, clarify bylaws, or explain your rights and responsibilities. Accountants who can make sure the reserve fund and financial statements comply with the Act. These professionals are not just solving problems; they are protecting your condo from costly mistakes and legal disputes.

Boards are responsible for ensuring that decisions are made with due care and diligence and that they are properly documented. Hiring a professional shows that the board takes its responsibilities seriously and that decisions are guided by credible information, not assumptions. 

You can also find practical resources on how to work with trusted professionals at MyCondoVendor. It is a helpful platform designed to connect condos with reliable experts, making it easier to get the right guidance when you need it most.

Balancing Cost, Risk, and Responsibility

It is natural for boards to be careful with spending, especially in smaller communities. The key is finding the right balance between cost and risk.

You can think of it this way. If the decision involves safety, finances, or a legal obligation, it is wise to bring in professional help. The price of a consultation is often much smaller than the cost of fixing a major error later.

The CAO also encourages boards to document their decision-making process carefully. They emphasize that keeping clear records of what advice was sought and why a particular decision was made demonstrates good faith and diligence. In other words, documentation and expert advice go hand in hand in showing that your board is acting responsibly.

Leading with Confidence

At its heart, hiring an expert is about confidence. It gives your board the reassurance that decisions are backed by facts, not guesswork. It also helps build trust between the board and the owners. When people see that experts are consulted for major matters, they know their board is acting responsibly and fairly.

As the Condominium Authority of Ontario reminds directors in its governance guide, “Open, transparent, and informed decision making builds trust and promotes harmony in the condominium community.” That trust is what turns a group of owners into a united community.

So the next time your board faces a big question about a repair, a legal issue, or the budget, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, would an expert help us get this right?

Because sometimes, the smartest move a condo board can make is not trying to do everything alone but knowing when to ask for help. By doing so, you protect your building, your owners, and yourself, and you lead your community with calm, steady confidence.

---

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog, and be the first to receive informative content such as this!