6 Tips To Maximise Your Condo Living Experience

If you live or are thinking about living in a condo, you probably already know it comes with a unique set of perks and responsibilities, but do you know:

1. What Condo Fees Cover

While amounts vary by building, these fees typically cover:

• Building insurance (not your unit, but the structure)
• Common area maintenance like lobbies, hallways, and amenities, including snow removal
• Utilities (sometimes water, gas, or even heat are included)
• Reserved for major future repairs like roof replacements or elevator upgrades

Tip: Ask your property manager for a breakdown so you know exactly what you’re paying for—and where you might save on personal condo insurance.

2. That Condo Insurance is not Optional

Your condo fees cover the building but most don't cover anything inside your unit. Look for coverage that includes:

• Personal property (typically “from the walls in”)
• Upgrades you’ve made (flooring, cabinets, etc.)
• Liability in case someone is injured in your unit

“Loss assessment” to cover any further damage that's not covered by the condo’s insurance.

3. Your Individual Condo Rules

Every condo corporation has its own set of bylaws and rules. Common examples include:

• Pet restrictions (breed, size, or number of pets)
• Renovation approvals (flooring, painting, etc.)
• Balcony use (some buildings limit barbecues or hanging laundry)
• Processes to settle disputes between tenants

Tip: Read the rules before you buy to avoid fines or headaches.

4. Your Condo Maintenance Requirements

Don't assume the building handles everything, you may be responsible for:

• Switching out your HVAC filter (every 6 months)
• Clean out the laundry dryer trap every load/vents (every 6 months)
• Test smoke & CO detectors (test monthly, replace batteries yearly)
• Check plumbing fixtures and windows for leaks
• Flush your water heater “if within unit” (annually)
• Know where your water shut-off valves are

Tip: Mark your calendar with these dates to help prevent costly maintenance issues in your unit.

5. The Advantages of Condo Living

Beyond low-maintenance living, condo ownership can bring:

• Amenities you’d never have at home (ex. pools, gyms, party rooms)
• A community of neighbours and events
• Prime locations near transit, shopping, and entertainment
• Lower utility costs thanks to shared building systems and insulation
• A more affordable way into the housing market

6. The Perks of Joining the Condo Board

It might sound like a lot of work, but joining the condo board gives you:

• A say in how your building is run
• Insight into the budget and future plans
• An opportunity to grow the condo community

Attending annual meetings can help you stay informed and make your voice heard.

Condo living in Ontario can be comfortable, social, and surprisingly cost-effective if you understand the rules, maintain your space, and stay involved.