In a nutshell
In an Ontario condominium, the declaration and bylaws set out what is a unit and what is common element, and often who is responsible for certain repairs and insurance deductibles. The cause of the leak matters, as does each party's insurance. Read your declaration and keep unit-owner insurance.
Typical scenarios help. If your dishwasher hose bursts and soaks the suite below, the cause is in your unit, and you or your insurer may face the cost of the downstairs repair up to the corporation's deductible, depending on the declaration. If a common riser inside the wall fails, the corporation usually handles the pipe repair, though owners may still claim their own contents and improvements through their unit policy. When the cause is unclear, management will often investigate before anyone decides who pays. Keep receipts and every email.
Many corporations also have standard unit definitions or bylaws describing what finishes are included in the base unit. Upgrades like hardwood floors or custom cabinets may be your responsibility to insure. A short call with your insurance broker, with the declaration in hand, clears up a lot.
Working through it
1. Stop the water
Close your suite valves if the source is yours.
2. Tell management
They can investigate and access other suites.
3. Record it
Photos, times and who you spoke with.
4. Report to your insurer
Promptly.
5. Read the declaration
It may set out deductible rules.
Clues worth noticing
- Ceiling stains.
- Water from light fixtures.
- Damp carpet near shared walls.
- Mould spots.
Signals that it needs a licensed plumber
For in-suite repairs, see condo plumbing.
Calls we field, answered plainly
Do I need my own insurance?
Strongly recommended, and some corporations require it.
Who fixes a riser?
Usually the corporation, as a common element.