In a condo, the ownership and responsibility for doors and windows can be nuanced, but generally, the unit owner is responsible for the windows within their condo unit, including repairs and replacements, and typically owns interior doors, while the main entry door often falls under specific shared arrangements or common elements with owner responsibility for maintenance.
Understanding who "owns" or is responsible for specific parts of a condo unit, such as doors and windows, hinges primarily on the condo corporation's governing documents. These include the Declaration, By-laws, and Rules. These documents define what constitutes a "unit" versus "common elements" and delineate maintenance and repair responsibilities.
The Nuance of Ownership vs. Responsibility
While the condo corporation may technically own the building's exterior structure, including the exterior components of windows and the main entry door as part of the common elements, the responsibility for their maintenance, repair, and replacement often falls to the individual unit owner. This is particularly true for windows and the interior aspects of entry doors.
Windows: Unit Owner Responsibility
For windows, accountability for upkeep and replacement typically rests with the unit owner. This means that if a window in your condo unit becomes damaged, needs repair, or requires a full replacement due to wear and tear or other issues, it is generally your duty to address the situation promptly and cover the associated costs. This includes the glass, frames, and operational mechanisms.
Key Considerations for Windows:
- Maintenance: Routine cleaning, caulking, and minor adjustments are usually the unit owner's task.
- Repairs: Cracked panes, broken seals, or malfunctioning locks/cranks are typically repaired by the unit owner.
- Replacements: If a window is beyond repair or significantly impacts energy efficiency, the unit owner is generally responsible for its replacement. This often requires adherence to specific aesthetic standards set by the condo corporation to maintain uniformity.
Doors: A Mixed Responsibility
The responsibility for doors can vary more significantly depending on their location and function.
1. Main Entry Door to the Unit
The main entry door to your condo unit often presents a shared responsibility.
- Exterior Side: The exterior side of the door, including its color and material, is frequently considered a common element, and the condo corporation may have rules governing its appearance and replacement. They might even be responsible for its structural integrity or the frame.
- Interior Side: The interior side of the door, including its paint, locks, and hardware, is almost always the unit owner's responsibility. If a lock breaks or the door needs painting on the inside, the unit owner typically handles it.
- Damage: Responsibility for damage can depend on the cause. If damage occurs from a common element issue (e.g., water leak from above), the corporation might be responsible. If it's due to owner neglect or use, the owner is responsible.
2. Interior Doors
All doors within your condo unit (e.g., bedroom doors, bathroom doors, closet doors) are unequivocally the responsibility and property of the unit owner. This includes their installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement.
3. Patio/Balcony Doors
Similar to windows, sliding glass doors leading to a balcony or patio are typically the unit owner's responsibility for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the glass, frame, and operational hardware. The corporation might be responsible for the exterior structure of the wall surrounding the door opening.
Understanding Your Condo's Governing Documents
The most accurate information regarding ownership and responsibility for doors and windows in your specific condo building will always be found in your condo corporation's Declaration, By-laws, and Rules. These legal documents outline what is considered part of your "unit" and what falls under "common elements," and explicitly detail who is responsible for their upkeep.
It is highly recommended that all unit owners familiarize themselves with these documents to avoid any misunderstandings regarding maintenance and repair obligations.
Summary of Typical Responsibilities
To provide a clearer picture, here's a general breakdown:
| Component | Typical Ownership/Responsibility (Maintenance/Repair/Replacement) |
|---|---|
| Windows (glass, frame) | Unit Owner |
| Main Entry Door (Interior Side) | Unit Owner |
| Main Entry Door (Exterior Side, Structure) | Condo Corporation (often with unit owner contributing to maintenance) |
| Interior Doors | Unit Owner |
| Patio/Balcony Doors | Unit Owner |
| Common Element Doors (e.g., lobby doors, amenity doors) | Condo Corporation |
By understanding these distinctions and reviewing your condo's specific documents, you can clearly determine your obligations regarding the doors and windows in your unit.
