The Difference Between a Status Certificate and a Home Inspection

When buying a home or condo, due diligence is key. Two terms you’ll often hear during the process are Status Certificate and Home Inspection. While both provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision, they serve very different purposes.

What Is a Status Certificate?

A Status Certificate applies to condominium purchases. It’s a document package prepared by the condo corporation that outlines the financial and legal health of the building and your specific unit.

A Status Certificate will typically include:

• The corporation’s budget and reserve fund balance

• Any outstanding lawsuits or legal claims against the corporation

• Whether the current owner is up to date on condo fees

• The corporation’s by-laws, rules, and declaration

• Notices of any special assessments or upcoming fee increases

Essentially, it gives you a snapshot of how well the condo is managed and whether there are any red flags that could impact your investment.

At Willing Law, we review Status Certificates within two hours — giving buyers and realtors fast, reliable insights before removing conditions.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A Home Inspection is typically performed by a certified home inspector and focuses on the physical condition of the property. It’s most common when purchasing freehold homes, but can also be done for condos.

A home inspection covers:

• The foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems

• Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems

• Visible structural defects or safety concerns

• Maintenance issues that may need attention

This helps you understand what repairs or costs you may face after closing — things that aren’t always visible during a walk-through.

Why You Need Both

If you’re buying a condo, a Status Certificate review protects you legally and financially, while a Home Inspection protects you physically and structurally.

• The Status Certificate tells you if the building is healthy.

• The Home Inspection tells you if the unit or property is healthy.

Together, they give you a complete picture — protecting both your investment and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re purchasing your first condo or upgrading to a family home, understanding the difference between these two reports ensures you’re making a well-informed decision.

At Willing Law, we assist clients across Ontario with real estate closings, status certificate reviews, and legal advice during every stage of their purchase.

📞 Contact Willing Law today to review your Status Certificate or discuss your real estate transaction.