What is a condominium maintenance fee?

In order to pay for the building services and upkeep of building exterior, gardens, walkways and other common elements, each owner contributes to a shared budget that covers these costs.† This contribution is commonly referred to as the maintenance fee.
What does the condominium maintenance fee (or ‘common expenses’ as it is known in legal terms) cover?
Your condominium maintenance fee covers the following:
* All heating and electricity costs
* Grounds maintenance including cutting, trimming, fertilizing and the pruning of shrubs, trees and garden beds
Maintenance of all common areas including window washing, etc.
Structural repairs to all building exteriors
Condominium insurance covering the structure of the units and common building areas/ but not individual unit insurance
Day to day administration including professional management, audit and legal services
Garbage disposal
Water to your unit for your personal in-home use as well as water to all common areas including landscaping irrigation
Snow removal
A reserve fund to cover major repairs or replacements in the future.

Are property taxes part of the condominium maintenance fees?

No. Each owner at Kings Court will pay their property taxes directly to the municipality.
How are condominium maintenance fees assessed? Do I have any say in how the maintenance fees are derived?
Condominium maintenance fees are determined via a 2- step process.† The Professional Property Manager under the direction of the Board of Directors for the Condominium prepares a maintenance budget.† Following the approval of the budget each owner then contributes in the proportions as set out in the legal constitution of the condominium.† Condominium fees are determined yearly by the Board of Directors which is elected by the home owners. Therefore owners have direct input on these condominium maintenance fees through the democratic process.
Is property insurance part of the condominium maintenance fees?
The Board of Directors for the Condominium must maintain insurance of on the common elements and units including major perils on the property and liability insurance on the common areas.† Condominium owners are responsible for the interior of their home and contents as well as any improvements and upgrades made to their homes, and should arrange a ‘condominium package policy’ to cover this.
What exactly do I do if I encounter common element problems?
You should immediately report any problems to the property manager, you personal on-site supervisor in all matters relating to property maintenance.
What does the property manager do for me?
The property manager is your direct contact for all matters that involve the day to day operation of the condominium corporation, Including any maintenance concerns or insurance matters, for example. The property manager works for you as a member of the corporation and is your professional supervisor.† Normally any of your requests would go first to the property manager and then if these are beyond his authority, they would be presented to the Board of Directors on your behalf.