The Hidden Liabilities in Your Charity's Real Estate—And How to Find Them Before They Find You

The Hidden Liabilities in Your Charity's Real Estate—And How to Find Them Before They Find You

From The Canadian Charity Law Podcast by Staff at B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation

May 1, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 86

About this episode

This episode provides a legal compliance guide for Ontario charities managing real estate assets, highlighting various risks and the importance of regular property audits.

This episode serves as a legal compliance guide for Ontario charities managing real estate assets , detailing the risks associated with both owned and leased properties . For organizations that rent, we highlight the dangers of personal guarantees , escalating operating costs, and potential regulatory issues regarding leasehold improvements. Charities that own land must navigate complex historical trust restrictions , environmental liabilities, and new statutory requirements under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. We also cover essential safety and accessibility standards , such as fuel tank regulations and AODA compliance. Ultimately, we advocate that charities perform regular property audits and engage professional charity legal counsel reviews to prevent minor oversights from becoming financially ruinous liabilities . B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation A dedicated law firm exclusively serving charities and not-for-profits in Toronto, Ontario, and across Canada. Serving: CRA Charity Registration Nonprofit Incorporation Corporate Governance & CRA Compliance ONCA Updates (Ontario nonprofit compliance) Bylaw Reviews and Policy Development Ready to…

Topics covered

  • charity real estate
  • legal compliance
  • property audits
  • environmental liabilities
  • safety standards

Keywords

  • charity
  • real estate
  • legal compliance
  • Ontario
  • property audits
  • environmental liabilities
  • safety standards

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, CRA, Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, AODA

Places: Ontario

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