Are there any advantages for societies or co-operatives in hiring a building manager/caretaker on a contract basis?

Housing providers that manage small developments with no need for a full-time caretaker may benefit from hiring someone on a contract basis to perform specific tasks such as grounds work or cleaning common areas. Less supervision is required than with an employee.

Organizations that manage larger or multiple developments may need one or more full-time caretakers, hired as employees.

If you hire a contractor rather than an employee, the Real Estate Act requires any contractor acting as an agent—collecting rent, showing suites and signing agreements, for example—to be licensed by the Superintendent of Real Estate.

If you choose to use a single contractor as a full-time caretaker, Canada Revenue Agency may deem the position to be an employee. Please visit the CRA website or call 1-800-959-2221 to get a copy of the pamphlet—RC4110 Employee or Self-Employed?—which lists the criteria for determining whether someone is working as an employee or contractor.