It’s no secret that finding a great condominium manager can be a challenge, especially in Ontario and British Columbia, where the demand is high and the talent pool is low. But this also presents a unique opportunity for your property management company to rethink how your communities are currently managed.
Imagine reducing the daily administrative burden, streamlining communication, and empowering your property managers on the big picture instead of being bogged down by routine tasks. With the right tools and processes in place, you can keep your communities running smoothly even in the face of staffing challenges.
After all, a well-prepared property manager creates a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Let’s break down what’s causing this staffing shortage and, more importantly, what your property managers can do to stay ahead.
What’s Driving the Shortage?
Across Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, the demand for licensed condominium managers is rapidly increasing. The Ontario government alone plans to add 100,000 new condominium units by 2028, according to the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO). This surge in development is creating unprecedented demand for skilled condominium managers.
Meanwhile, many experienced managers are nearing retirement, shrinking the talent pool just as the need for their expertise is peaking. The result? More communities are competing for fewer qualified professionals, often leaving property management companies to fill the gap.
What This Means for Your Community
When communities are short-staffed, the impact can ripple through daily operations:
- Maintenance requests take longer to resolve
- Homeowner emails and inquiries pile up
- Record-keeping and documentation fall behind
But with the right planning and technology in place, communities can keep things running smoothly, even as the industry evolves.
4 Effective Ways to Thrive During a Staffing Shortage
1. Use Technology That Takes Work Off Your Plate
When your community is short-staffed, the right software doesn’t just help keep operations afloat—it helps reduce burnout, brings consistency, and gives your property managers some breathing room.
But the value of software goes far beyond features. What matters is how easy it is to get up and running, and how supported you feel throughout the process.
With BuildingLink, you’re not left to figure things out alone. We provide:
- Personalized onboarding and deployment tailored to your community’s needs, even if you’re starting with limited time or tech experience.
- Hands-on training to get everyone up to speed quickly and confidently.
- Ongoing customer support from real people who understand your operations and respond quickly when questions come up.
Once in place, BuildingLink helps ease the pressure by simplifying critical tasks like:
- Tracking and managing maintenance requests
- Streamlining resident communications
- Centralizing recordkeeping
- Providing visibility into operations
With fewer manual tasks and more reliable systems, you can spend less time reacting and more time leading.
2. Make the Manager Role Easier to Step Into
Many property management companies are competing for a small pool of candidates. Make your communities more attractive by showing that you’ve invested in tools that support your condominium managers.
Being able to walk into a role with automated systems, clear communication channels, and digitized records makes the job more attractive and helps you retain good talent once you find it.
3. Invest in Professional Development
Prioritizing the professional development of your condominium managers can go a long way in retaining them. Continued training builds both skills and confidence, especially in communities where managers may wear multiple hats.
Organizations like the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO), the Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI), the Professional Association of Managing Agents (PAMA), and the Community Associations Institute (CAI) offer courses, certifications, and resources specifically tailored to the evolving challenges of condominium management. Encouraging your staff or board members to engage with these groups can deepen their knowledge and keep them connected to a broader professional network.
4. Champion the Profession
While the shortage is a complex issue, awareness is a critical first step. The more visible and valued the role of the condominium manager becomes, the more likely it is to attract new talent.
Property management companies can help shift perceptions by acknowledging the importance of professional management in community communications, job postings, and conversations with residents. Supporting initiatives led by organizations like ACMO, CCI, and CAI, which promote the profession and advocate for better education and awareness, also contributes to strengthening the industry overall.
Empower Your Community Management
Even in a tight labor market, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. With the right condo management software, you can streamline operations, save time, and keep your communities running smoothly.
Ready to see how BuildingLink supports thousands of Canadian communities just like yours? Get in touch today.
