Condo Maintenance Basics for Richmond Hill Owners

Not sure who fixes a leaking balcony or pays for a sewer backup in your Richmond Hill condo? You’re not alone. Condo maintenance can feel confusing until you know how responsibilities are split and what your building’s rules say. In this guide, you’ll learn the essentials: who does what, how budgets and reserve funds work, the local rules that affect you, and a simple checklist to prevent surprises. Let’s dive in.

Know who is responsible

The basic rule in Ontario

Under the provincial Condominium Act, the corporation maintains and repairs the common elements, and you maintain your unit. Your condo’s declaration, by‑laws and rules can shift duties, so always check those documents. If you need a starting point, review the Act’s maintenance and reserve fund sections through the official source at the Government of Ontario’s website. See the Condominium Act, 1998.

Standard unit and boundaries

Responsibility often hinges on your building’s “standard unit” definition. The corporation usually insures and repairs to the standard unit, while upgrades and better finishes are an owner responsibility. Ask management for the standard unit by‑law and confirm where your unit boundaries sit for windows, doors and balconies.

Insurance and deductible chargebacks

Condo corporations carry building insurance. If an owner or occupant causes damage and the corporation’s policy responds, the corporation can usually charge back up to the amount of its deductible, or the repair cost if lower. This is why you should carry your own unit policy for contents, improvements and liability. Learn more in the Act’s insurance provisions. Review insurance and deductible rules.

Plan the money side

Reserve fund basics

Every corporation must keep a reserve fund for major repairs and replacements like roofs, elevators and parking structures. A reserve fund study, completed on a regulated schedule, guides how much the corporation should set aside and when big projects should occur. Read the reserve fund regulations in O. Reg. 48/01.

Monthly fees and special assessments

Your monthly common expenses cover day‑to‑day operations and contributions to the reserve fund. If the fund is short or a large project comes up, the board may increase fees or levy a special assessment. When you buy or sell, the status certificate discloses budgets, audited statements, the reserve fund study and any planned assessments. There is a $100 cap for the certificate and it must be delivered within 10 days of a valid request. See what a status certificate includes.

Maintenance by system: what to watch

Building exterior and balconies

The corporation typically handles the exterior walls, roof and the building envelope. Balconies are often common elements, sometimes with exclusive use by owners. Your declaration will say who repairs the membrane or railing and who handles balcony finishes or owner‑added tiles. Report leaks, cracks or ponding water to management right away.

HVAC and ventilation

Central boilers, chillers and ventilation equipment are usually corporate responsibilities. In‑suite furnaces or fan coils, if within the unit boundaries, are typically yours to service and replace. Keep filters clean and book regular servicing to avoid failures that can lead to damage or complaints.

Elevators and life‑safety systems

Elevators, fire alarms and sprinklers are managed by the corporation, with strict inspection and testing schedules. These systems are major cost items in most reserve fund plans, so expect occasional shutdowns for mandated work.

Plumbing and sewer backups

You usually maintain your in‑suite fixtures and supply lines, while the corporation manages common risers and mains. If you have a sewage backup, determine whether the problem is on the private or public side. Richmond Hill explains roles, fees and when the City steps in. Review Richmond Hill’s sewer backup guidance.

Windows, doors and interior finishes

Whether windows and doors are yours or the corporation’s often depends on unit boundaries and the standard unit description. Keep invoices for any betterments like upgraded flooring or counters so you can insure them correctly and disclose them on resale.

Seasonal checklist for Richmond Hill

• Winter: test heating, clear roof drains, watch for icicles and ice dams, and use approved de‑icers on walkways.
• Spring: inspect for freeze‑thaw damage, clean balcony drains, and check caulking around windows and doors.
• Summer: service air conditioning, inspect balcony waterproofing and watch for pests.
• Year‑round: log vendor visits, track repairs and report water staining or musty odours early.

Richmond Hill rules that affect you

Property standards and enforcement

Richmond Hill’s Property Standards By‑law sets minimum maintenance for building structure, lighting, yards and more. The City can order corrective work if standards are not met, which may impact your corporation’s timelines and costs. See the Property Standards page.

Waste and recycling changes in 2026

Ontario’s Blue Box program is transitioning to producer responsibility. In Richmond Hill, multi‑residential buildings currently receiving municipal recycling will transition to the new system on January 1, 2026. The City will continue to collect garbage and organics. Boards should communicate collection changes and bin locations to residents. Get the Blue Box program update.

Short‑term rentals

Short‑term rental rules come from both the City and your condo’s governing documents. Before listing, confirm your building’s rules and Richmond Hill’s current by‑laws and zoning requirements.

Modern topics to watch

EV charging in condos

Ontario has a process for corporations and individual owners to add EV charging systems. Boards can install with notice if costs and impact meet statutory thresholds. Owners can apply for a charger in their space and can be refused only on narrow safety or legal grounds. Timelines and documentation apply. Read the Condominium Authority of Ontario’s EV guide.

Smoking, vaping and cannabis

Ontario bans smoking and vaping in indoor common areas of multi‑unit buildings. To regulate smoking on balconies or inside units, corporations use their own rules or by‑laws. Check your condo’s current rules and any designated areas. Learn about smoke‑free housing basics.

Getting help and resolving disputes

The Condominium Authority of Ontario provides owner education, board training and an online Tribunal for many day‑to‑day disputes like noise, records and pets. If your issue fits their scope, the CAT can be a fast and cost‑effective option. Explore CAO resources and the Tribunal.

Buying or selling a Richmond Hill condo? Review these

• Status certificate: budget, audited financials, reserve fund study, insurance certificate, lawsuits and special assessments. Delivered within 10 days, fee capped at $100.
• Standard unit description and insurance: confirm what the corporation insures and what your unit policy should cover.
• Reserve fund study and major projects: look at timelines for elevators, roofs, parking and building envelope work.

Quick owner checklist

• Read your declaration, by‑laws, rules and the standard unit by‑law.
• Confirm who maintains windows, doors and balconies for your specific unit.
• Carry unit insurance that covers contents, betterments and deductible chargebacks.
• Log seasonal maintenance and report leaks or condensation early.
• Know shut‑off valve locations and after‑hours emergency contacts.
• Follow Richmond Hill’s guidance for sewer backups and keep invoices for claims.
• If you are considering an EV, speak to management early about charger options.

When you want a clear, local take on condo ownership and a smooth path to your next move in Richmond Hill, reach out to Sam Galloway for step‑by‑step guidance.

FAQs

Who maintains balconies in Richmond Hill condos?

• It depends on your declaration and unit boundaries, but balconies are often common elements that the corporation maintains, while owners handle their furniture or finishes.

What is a status certificate in Ontario and how long does it take?

• It is the official condo disclosure for buyers and must be delivered within 10 days of a valid request, with a fee capped at $100.

How do special assessments work in Ontario condos?

• If fees and the reserve fund are not enough for a project, the board may levy a special assessment that owners pay according to their shares.

Can I install an EV charger in my condo parking space?

• Yes, you can apply with drawings and specs, and the board can refuse only on limited safety or legal grounds under provincial rules.

What should I do after a sewer backup in my unit?

• Document the issue, contact building management, and use Richmond Hill’s guidance to determine if it is a private or public side problem before making claims.

How are smoking or vaping rules enforced in condos?

• Provincial law bans smoking and vaping in indoor common areas, and your corporation’s rules or by‑laws can restrict smoking on balconies or inside units.