What is a Unit Title?
A unit title is a legal document issued by Alberta Land Titles that confirms ownership of a specific condominium unit. It includes important details that impact condominium management, such as:
Legal description of the unit.
Current registered owner(s).
Mortgagees (lenders) or other financial encumbrances.
Registered caveats against the unit.
Restrictive covenants (e.g., restrictions on the condominium property).
A condominium manager or corporation may need to review a unit title when verifying ownership, tracking outstanding contributions, or enforcing condominium bylaws.
Ownership & Financial Details on a Unit Title
The unit title is legally binding and provides a snapshot of financial obligations tied to the unit. Important components include:
Mortgages & Caveats
If a mortgage is registered, the lender has a legal interest in the unit.
Caveats may be placed by the condominium corporation for unpaid condominium fees, special levies, or chargebacks.
Condominium Contributions
The corporation has a statutory right under the Condominium Property Act to register a caveat on a unit title for unpaid condominium fees.
If contributions are not paid, the corporation can pursue legal action, including the possibility of foreclosure.
Accessing & Updating Unit Titles
When a Condominium Corporation or Manager May Need to Request a Unit Title Search:
Verifying ownership before processing estoppel certificates or financial transactions.
Confirming outstanding caveats registered by the condominium corporation.
Checking for legal claims (caveats) that may affect financial recovery efforts.
Updating records when a unit is sold to a new owner.
How to Obtain a Unit Title
Unit title searches can be conducted through Alberta Land Titles by:
Submitting a request via the Spin II System (Alberta Land Titles Online Portal)
Visiting a Registry Office in Alberta
Requesting a search through a lawyer or real estate professional
Practical Application for Condominium Managers
Before issuing an estoppel certificate, check the unit title for:
Registered caveats or caveats related to unpaid contributions.
Changes in ownership or mortgagee information.
For arrears collection, verify whether a mortgagee is listed—some lenders may pay outstanding condominium fees to prevent foreclosure.
When dealing with unit sales, ensure the title transfer process is complete before updating financial records.
