jeff@cowanandtaylor.com

Jeffrey Cowan is the principal lawyer for Cowan Taylor & McGee Professional Corporation.

The changing face of co-habitation

February 08, 2012

In terms of co-habitation agreements, one should always keep and eye on the ‘what ifs,’ because your story could easily be one of conflict rather than congratulations.

What to do with a leaky Townhome?

January 25, 2012

There is a specialization in law that deals directly with landlord and tenant law

Water-filter woes

January 18, 2012

"Filter" negative communication by communicating through their lawyers

Faulty construction

December 14, 2011

An issue of a 14 year old faulty stairs is extremely problematic

Mouldy matters

December 07, 2011

Mould could potentially be a very serious problem for an expectant mother as well as for property as a whole.

When you and your partner part ways

November 30, 2011

After five years of marriage, my husband and I are parting ways.

Key question

November 23, 2011

Keys are given to your lawyer so that when the transaction is complete, they can provide them to the purchaser.

Unpaid property taxes

November 16, 2011

Property tax assessments could take some time.

Occupancy permit

November 09, 2011

Isn't it assumed that when you purchase property that all of the paperwork would be closed off.

When water woes 'rear their ugly head'

November 02, 2011

There are no easy solutions when dealing with hidden defects in your newly purchased home.

Navigating the pitfalls of private sales

October 27, 2011

When confronted with a tricky situation during a private sale it is best to get advice from either a lawyer, or a realtor.

Death and taxes are simply unavoidable

October 20, 2011

What are the taxes that should be considered if you pass away and the houses go to your siblings?

Savings may lead to conflict

October 13, 2011

Decisions over a late parent’s estate should be carefully planned to avoid family problems.

Tricky utility charges

September 29, 2011

Condo fees is a criterion for some purchasers when looking for a condominium.

Children and joint home ownership

September 22, 2011

I am getting older and thinking of my kids and their inheritance. My house is my most valuable asset and it was mentioned to me by a friend that to avoid estate taxes on the value of my home when I pass away, I can transfer the ownership to my children and myself. Is this a good suggestion?

Dealing with water from the condo above

September 15, 2011

What to do with a leaky bathroom in the condo above yours? The condo corporation tells the tenants below there was no mould damage done to their unit. But how can they be sure? Do they rely on the condo's technician or hire their own? Jeffrey Cowan advises. 

When former owners are slow to leave

September 07, 2011

Q: We recently purchased a home and, anxious to go see our new place, we picked up the keys from our lawyer and proceeded to the house.  When we arrived, we found the former owner was still moving out and refused us entry (with our contractor). What should we have done?

When Buying a Commercial Condominium

September 01, 2011

Q:    I run an office-based business and I am interested in purchasing a property from which I can operate. 

Has my first home gone to pot?

August 25, 2011

Generally, when people hear a property used to be a grow-op they run screaming in the other direction.

Remember to cancel your old utility bill

August 17, 2011

Q: I recently sold a condominium and the following month I realized that the utility company continued to remove the monthly charge from my bank account. 

when H.S.T. is already included in the sale

August 11, 2011

Q: I recently purchased a commercial condominium and my realtor filled in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale with H.S.T. being included in the purchase price. 

Positive ID

August 04, 2011

I recently had an appointment with my lawyer to sign the papers on the purchase of a property. I have completed several purchases with my lawyer over the past two decades and all of a sudden, she requested that I provide photo identification. 

Get your inspections in order

July 28, 2011

In this overheated market, problems are not that uncommon.

Let there be light

July 21, 2011

Q: I had a meeting with my lawyer with respect to a new home I was purchasing and was informed that I needed to contact the utility providers to set up my accounts.

The key issue

July 07, 2011

Q:    I purchased a condo last week and when I went to my lawyer’s office to pick up the keys, I received one key to the living unit. 

Rent to own furnace issue

June 30, 2011

Q. We purchased a home approximately four months ago with very few hassles or problems. 

Interim occupancy insurance

June 16, 2011

While you are in possession of your condo during interim occupancy, you do not own the property.

Why status certificates can change

June 16, 2011

Allow me to explain how a condo reserve fund works.

Surprise! It's a big bill

June 02, 2011

A special assessment is a charge the condo management can demand from each owner to address deficiencies and possible shortfalls in the reserve fund.

To gift or not to gift

May 26, 2011

Q: My parents have decided they need to downsize and have offered to transfer their nicely-sized home to me and my husband. We have been told that they can gift the property to us for one or two dollars, which effectively allows us to not pay land transfer tax. Can we legally do this?