Questions to Ask Your Condominium Manager Before Hiring: A Calgary Condo Board’s Guide

Choosing the right condominium manager is one of the most important decisions your condo board will make. The right partner can protect your investment, ensure compliance, and foster a thriving community. The wrong choice can lead to costly mistakes, compliance headaches, and unhappy owners. In Calgary’s competitive real estate market, knowing what questions to ask before hiring a condominium manager is essential.

At AspirePeak Properties, we believe informed boards make the best decisions. Here’s an authoritative guide to the most important questions every Calgary condo board should ask when interviewing potential condominium managers.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Not all condominium management companies are created equal. Services, experience, pricing, and communication styles can vary widely. By asking the right questions, you’ll clarify expectations, avoid surprises, and ensure your manager is a true partner—not just a service provider.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Condominium Manager

1. Are You Licensed and Experienced With Calgary Condominiums?

Why it matters: Alberta law requires condominium managers to be licensed through the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). Calgary’s condo market also has unique regulatory and operational challenges.

What to listen for: Confirmation of RECA licensing, years of experience, and specific knowledge of Calgary’s bylaws and market trends.

2. What Services Are Included in Your Management Fee?

Why it matters: Some companies offer “all-inclusive” pricing, while others charge extra for services like after-hours emergencies, document preparation, or project management.

What to listen for: A clear, written breakdown of what’s included and what’s considered an additional charge. Ask for a sample contract or fee schedule.

3. How Do You Handle Financial Management and Reporting?

Why it matters: Accurate financial reporting is critical for transparency and compliance. You want a manager who uses best-in-class accounting practices and provides regular, easy-to-understand statements.

What to listen for: Use of professional property management software, separate trust accounts, monthly financial statements, and timely budget preparation.

4. How Do You Manage Maintenance and Vendor Selection?

Why it matters: Maintenance is one of the largest expenses for any condo corporation. A proactive manager will have vetted vendors, clear processes, and a focus on preventative maintenance.

What to listen for: Details about their vendor approval process, insurance requirements (like WCB and liability), emergency protocols, and how they handle seasonal and preventative maintenance.

5. How Do You Communicate With Boards and Owners?

Why it matters: Effective, transparent communication prevents misunderstandings and builds trust. Boards should expect timely updates and clear channels for owner inquiries.

What to listen for: Frequency of updates, use of online portals, response times for owner requests, and examples of past communications.

6. What Is Your Approach to Bylaw Enforcement and Conflict Resolution?

Why it matters: Fair and consistent bylaw enforcement protects the community and property values. Conflict is inevitable, so your manager must handle disputes professionally.

What to listen for: Specific processes for bylaw enforcement, documentation, and examples of how disputes have been resolved in the past.

7. How Do You Ensure Compliance With Alberta’s Condominium Property Act?

Why it matters: Legal compliance is non-negotiable. Fines or lawsuits can result from non-compliance.

What to listen for: Continuing education, understanding of recent legislative changes, and a commitment to ongoing compliance.

8. How Are Emergencies Handled After Hours?

Why it matters: Emergencies don’t stick to business hours. Your manager should offer 24/7 emergency response with clear escalation protocols.

What to listen for: Internal emergency response teams, response times, and examples of past emergency management.

9. What Is Your Fee Structure for Additional Services?

Why it matters: Many managers charge extra for services outside the base contract—like special levy administration, insurance claims, or extra meetings.

What to listen for: Transparent, written fee schedules (such as Schedule “A” in your agreement), and clear explanations of when extra fees apply.

10. Can You Provide References From Other Calgary Condo Boards?

Why it matters: Past performance is often the best predictor of future results.

What to listen for: Willingness to provide recent, relevant references and positive feedback from other Calgary boards.

Bonus Tips: Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague or evasive answers: If a manager can’t provide clear details, that’s a warning sign.

• Unlicensed or inexperienced managers: Always verify credentials with RECA's Pro-Check.

• Hidden fees: Insist on seeing a full fee schedule before signing.

• Poor communication: Delayed or unclear responses now may signal bigger issues later.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Set Your Calgary Condominium Up for Success

The right condominium manager will be a proactive partner, not just a vendor. By asking these questions—and insisting on clear, honest answers—you’ll protect your condo’s finances, compliance, and community culture.

At AspirePeak Properties, we welcome tough questions and believe in full transparency. If you’re seeking a Calgary condominium manager who delivers clarity, value, and peace of mind, we’d love to connect and share how our approach stands apart. Reach out today for a Free Condo Management Proposal!