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RETAINER AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY ASSESSMENT REPRESENTATION

Date: _______________________

Between: [Client Name] ("Client") and Lakeview Property Tax Advocates ("Analyst")

1. PARTIES & SCOPE OF SERVICES

This Agreement authorizes Analyst to provide valuation analysis and representation for the property located at [Property Address], Roll Number [Roll #], in connection with:

• Request for Reconsideration (RfR) with MPAC
• Settlement conference proceedings
• Assessment Review Board (ARB) appeals and hearings
• Evidence preparation, comparable analysis, and hearing attendance

Services exclude court appeals, complex legal interpretation, or matters outside ARB jurisdiction.

2. REPRESENTATION STATUS

Client acknowledges that Analyst is a licensed Valuation Analyst and not a member of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Analyst does not provide legal advice or services constituting the practice of law. This engagement creates an analyst-client relationship, not solicitor-client privilege.

Client provides written authorization (attached) for Analyst to receive notices, submit documents, and represent Client before MPAC and ARB pursuant to ARB Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rule 9).

3. FEE STRUCTURE (Select One)

☐ Option A: Contingency Fee Model ("No Risk")

• Fee: 70% of Year 1 tax savings, plus HST
• Payment Due: Only upon documented tax reduction (after Final Property Tax Bill issued by municipality)
• Future Years: Client retains 100% of tax savings in Years 2, 3, 4, and all subsequent years
• No Savings = No Fee: If assessment is not reduced, $0 is owed
• Discontinuation Fee: If Client withdraws or terminates services before case conclusion (prior to ARB decision or settlement), a flat fee of $1,000 plus HST is payable for work performed to date

☐ Option B: Flat Fee Model ("Full Service")

• Base Fee: $1,400 plus HST (payable upfront upon signing)
• Includes: RfR preparation, settlement conference, all filing/dispute costs, and ARB hearing representation
• Additional ARB Hearing Fee: If case proceeds to formal ARB hearing (beyond standard proceedings), an additional $2,000 plus HST is due, plus reimbursement for expert witness costs (if applicable)
• Non-Refundable: Fees are payable regardless of outcome

4. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide accurate property data, tax bills, and MPAC Notices
• Authorize property inspection (if needed for valuation analysis)
• Respond promptly to information requests
• Attend ARB hearing if required (Analyst will represent, but Client presence may strengthen case)

5. METHODOLOGY & LIMITATIONS

Analyst uses standard appraisal methods (sales comparison, cost approach, income approach) and equity analysis based on available data as of the relevant valuation date (January 1, 2016 for current cycle). Results are estimates and not guarantees of ARB outcomes. MPAC and ARB make final decisions.

6. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate with written notice. If Client terminates under Option A (Contingency), discontinuation fee applies. If under Option B (Flat Fee), no refund is provided for work completed.

7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Fee disputes resolved via mediation; if unresolved, through Ontario Small Claims Court. No contingency fee shall exceed actual tax savings achieved.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Client agrees to indemnify Analyst against claims arising from reliance on this analysis beyond its intended scope (property assessment advocacy) or from Client-provided inaccurate information.

9. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Client has read and understands the attached Disclaimer Statement and agrees to its terms.

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

Client Signature: _______________________ Date: _______

Print Name: _______________________

Analyst Signature: _______________________ Date: _______

Lakeview Property Tax Advocates

TO: Assessment Review Board (ARB)
RE: Authorization for Representation

I, [Client Name], owner of the property located at [Property Address], Roll Number [Roll #], hereby authorize:

Lakeview Property Tax Advocates
(Valuation Analyst / Appraisal Expert)
Email: lakeviewpropertytax@gmail.com

To act as my authorized representative in all matters related to my property assessment appeal, including but not limited to:

• Receiving all notices and correspondence from MPAC and ARB
• Filing documents, evidence, and submissions on my behalf
• Attending settlement conferences and ARB hearings
• Speaking and advocating on my behalf before the ARB
• Providing expert valuation testimony (if required)

I acknowledge that my representative is not a lawyer or paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. I have voluntarily chosen to retain a Valuation Analyst for their technical expertise in property assessment matters.

This authorization remains in effect until [case conclusion / written revocation].

Client Signature: _______________________ Date: _______

Print Name: _______________________

Address: _______________________

Email: _______________________ Phone: _______________________

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DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This document and the services provided by Lakeview Property Tax Advocates, a licensed Valuation Analyst, are for informational and advocacy purposes only in connection with property assessment reviews and appeals under the Assessment Act. We are not licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as lawyers or paralegals and do not provide legal advice, representation in court proceedings, or services constituting the practice of law as defined in the Law Society Act.

Our role is limited to valuation analysis, evidence preparation, and authorized representation before administrative bodies such as MPAC and the ARB, subject to their rules and your written authorization. All valuations are based on available data as of the relevant valuation date and market conditions at the time of analysis, using standard appraisal methodologies. Results are estimates and not guarantees of ARB outcomes.

You retain full responsibility for decisions related to your property assessment, and we recommend consulting a licensed legal professional for any court-related matters or complex legal interpretations. This engagement does not create solicitor-client privilege. Communications may be disclosed as required by MPAC, ARB, or applicable law.

By proceeding, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to indemnify Lakeview Property Tax Advocates against claims arising from reliance on this analysis beyond its intended scope. For full details, refer to the ARB's Rules of Practice and Procedure (effective April 1, 2021) and LSO By-Law 7.