Welcome to Condo's Corner!

Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule for Your Condo Unit

One of the myths about condo living is that it’s completely maintenance-free.

Yes, your standard condominium corporation is responsible for the common elements -the roof, windows (in most cases), corridors, mechanical systems, and building structure. But that doesn’t mean what happens inside your unit doesn’t matter.

In reality, unit-level maintenance is a critical part of the condominium ecosystem. A slow leak under your sink, a clogged dryer vent, or a neglected appliance can quickly turn into damage that affects neighbouring units, common elements, and ultimately… your bank account.

That’s why creating a simple, proactive maintenance schedule for your condo unit isn’t just good housekeeping - it’s good condo citizenship.

The goal? Prevent small issues from becoming expensive, disruptive repairs, while protecting your comfort and your property value.

The Best Approach: Maintenance by Frequency

The easiest way to stay on top of condo maintenance is to break it down by how often tasks actually need to be done- not all at once, and not only when something goes wrong.

1. Weekly Maintenance: The Small Stuff That Adds Up

Think of this as light upkeep that keeps systems clear and accessible.

• Floors: Vacuum carpets and rugs; mop hard floors

• Surfaces: Wipe countertops, sinks, faucets, and high-touch areas

• Tidying: Keep clutter away from vents, baseboard heaters, and safety devices

👉 Why it matters: Blocked vents and overcrowded spaces reduce air quality and can interfere with smoke or CO alarms; something we see more often than you’d expect.

2. Monthly Maintenance: Quick Checks with Big Payoff

Once a month is perfect for deeper cleaning and basic inspections.

• Dusting: Furniture, blinds, ceiling fans, and baseboards

• Drains: Watch for slow drains in sinks, tubs, and showers

• Windows: Clean glass and wipe down tracks and frames

👉 Real-world example: Many water damage claims start with a drain that was “slow for a while” before it became a backup affecting multiple units.

3. Seasonal Maintenance: Stay Ahead of the Weather

Ontario seasons are not subtle, and your unit should be ready for each one.

Spring

• Clean window screens

• Inspect for winter-related wear

• Prepare balconies and patios (and confirm what’s permitted under your rules)

Summer

• Clean AC filters

• Watch for condensation or leaks near cooling units

Fall

• Inspect window and door seals

• Check heating systems

• Clean dryer vents to reduce fire risk

Winter

• Confirm heating is working properly

• Check for drafts

• Protect pipes in colder areas if applicable

👉 Condo manager insight: Dryer vents and window seals are two of the most overlooked items—and two of the most common contributors to fire and water issues.

4. Annual Maintenance: When Professionals Matter

Some things are best handled by licensed experts.

• HVAC servicing: Annual inspection of furnaces or AC systems

• Dryer vents & ducts: Professional cleaning to reduce fire hazards

• Plumbing: Inspect hot water tanks for leaks or corrosion

• Deep cleaning: Carpets, appliances, and hard-to-reach areas

• Safety audit: Check fire extinguishers and replace detector batteries

👉 Worth noting: Many insurance claims hinge on whether reasonable maintenance was performed. Annual servicing can be the difference between coverage and a denial.

Key Areas Condo Owners Often Forget

Cleaning Essentials

• Showerheads & faucets: Mineral buildup is common—scrub periodically

• Drains: Use strainers; avoid grease; vinegar helps with mineral deposits

• Windows & blinds: Dust weekly, clean frames to prevent mildew

Safety Checks

• Water pipes: Look for loose fittings or early signs of leaks

• Leak detectors: Simple devices near toilets, dishwashers, or laundry machines can prevent thousands in damage or unnecesary water costs

• Door locks & hinges: Clean and lubricate for proper function

• Electrical wiring: Watch for frayed cords or damaged outlets; periodic professional inspections are smart

Furniture & Appliances

• Fridge: Clean, organize, and monitor for leaks or unusual noises

• Washer & dryer: Monthly vinegar rinse; inspect hoses; clear lint

• Dishwasher: Vinegar cycle every few months; clean seals

• AC units: Clean filters regularly—better air, better efficiency

• Carpets & upholstery: Vacuum weekly; deep clean periodically

Tips for Staying Consistent (and Sane)

• Identify your assets: Know the age and condition of appliances and systems

• Review your condo bylaws: Understand what’s yours vs. the corporation’s responsibility

• Create a calendar: Digital reminders for monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks make all the difference

Maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be consistent.

The Bottom Line

Your condo unit isn’t just your home—it’s part of a shared building, a shared investment, and a shared responsibility.

Regular unit maintenance protects:

• Your comfort

• Your neighbours

• The corporation’s assets

• And, ultimately, your property value

A little effort spread out over the year is far easier (and far cheaper) than dealing with an emergency after something fails.

And trust us—after years of managing condominiums, we can confidently say: the best buildings are the ones where owners stay proactive, not reactive.

Got a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don't be shy—share 'em with me! Whether it's a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we're all ears. All you need to do is reply to this email so we can keep the content coming.

Make sure to share this newsletter with your friends, family, and, more importantly, that neighbour who could learn a few things!