Welcome. Living in a Vancouver condo offers many benefits. You enjoy city views in Yaletown. You walk to beaches in Kitsilano. You shop on Main St. Eventually, something breaks. You need to know who pays. This guide explains strata and owner responsibilities.
Understanding the Boundary
Your strata plan defines your home. It shows the boundaries. Most items inside your walls belong to you. Items outside or shared belong to the strata. The Strata Property Act sets the rules. Your building bylaws provide the specific details. Read your bylaws first. Then check your strata plan.
The General Rule
Owners maintain their strata lot. Stratas maintain common property. Boundary walls often divide the two. Pipes and wires inside these walls are usually common property. Finishes on the surface are usually yours.
1. Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures
Look at your kitchen sink. Check your bathroom tub. These fixtures serve only your unit.
Owner Responsibility
You own the faucets. You own the showerheads. You own the shut-off valves. If a faucet drips, you pay for the repair. If a toilet leaks, you call a pro. Most plumbing issues inside your unit are your cost. Buy the parts, then call Randall The Handyman. We install new faucets quickly. We fix leaks under the sink.
Strata Responsibility
Stratas handle the main lines. They manage the vertical stacks. If a pipe bursts inside a boundary wall, call the strata. They fix the pipe. They ensure the building stays dry.
2. Drywall and Interior Wall Finishes
Water damage happens often in Vancouver. A neighbor overflows a tub. A pipe leaks above your ceiling. You see a stain on the drywall.
Owner Responsibility
You maintain the surface. You handle the paint. You manage the wallpaper. If you hit the wall with furniture, you fix the hole. Sand the area, then apply mud, then paint. For professional results, hire a expert. Randall The Handyman provides seamless drywall repairs in Kerrisdale and the West End.
The Gray Area
Sometimes the strata fixes a common pipe. They cut your drywall to reach it. They fix the pipe. Many bylaws state the strata does not have to fix your wall. They leave a hole. You must patch and paint it. Check your bylaws for "Section 72" variations.
3. Windows and Exterior Doors
Vancouver weather is wet. Windows keep the rain out. Seals eventually fail. Glass becomes foggy.
Strata Responsibility
Windows are part of the building envelope. They front the common property. Most strata bylaws make the corporation responsible. They repair the frames. They replace the glass units. If your window won't close, email your strata manager. They will send a technician.
Owner Responsibility
You clean the inside. You manage the blinds. You fix the screen if you damage it. Do not drill into the window frame. This voids the building warranty. Use tension rods or wall mounts instead.
4. Electrical Outlets and Light Fixtures
You want to upgrade your lighting. You want a smart dimmer in East Vancouver. You need a new outlet in Yaletown.
Owner Responsibility
Everything inside the unit belongs to you. This includes switches. This includes outlets. This includes light fixtures. If a breaker trips only for your unit, it is your issue. Unplug the device, then reset the breaker. If the outlet stays dead, hire help.
Strata Responsibility
The strata manages the main power. They handle the hallway lights. They maintain the building transformer. If the whole floor loses power, call the strata. They will contact BC Hydro.
5. Balconies and Patios
Balconies are "Limited Common Property." You have exclusive use. You do not own the structure.
Strata Responsibility
The strata maintains the concrete. They handle the waterproof membrane. They paint the railings. If the floor cracks, the strata fixes it. This prevents leaks into the unit below.
Owner Responsibility
You keep it clean. You remove moss. You ensure the drain stays clear. Clear the debris, then wash the surface. Do not use a pressure washer without permission. High pressure damages the membrane. This leads to expensive strata fines.
When to Call Randall The Handyman
Managing condo repairs is stressful. We make it simple. We help homeowners in South Vancouver and the Westside. We assist property managers in Burnaby and Richmond.
Our Pricing
We believe in clear costs.
- $120 for the first hour.
- $85 for each additional hour.
No hidden fees. No complex quotes.
Services for Vancouver Condos
- Faucet replacement.
- Drywall patching.
- TV mounting in small spaces.
- Smart home device setup.
- Furniture assembly.
- Caulking and silicone refresh.
- Trim and moulding installation.
We serve all Metro Vancouver neighborhoods. We visit North Vancouver. We work in West Vancouver. We help clients at UBC.
Ready to Start?
Contact Randall The Handyman. Tell us your project. Schedule a time. Get it done right.
Keep your home in top shape. Avoid strata fines. Maintain your property value. Call 604-442-5142 today.
