Maintenance

In deep water

Extreme weather events are directly impacting the cost of residential property insurance, but there are ways to keep rising costs at bay.
Toronto community housing

A new dawn for Toronto Community Housing

Toronto’s crumbling community housing stock is receiving some much-needed financial support to the tune of 1.3 billion, making it the largest federal housing investment in the city's history.
OREA

Renovating your apartment: Is it worth it?

Renovations or retrofits to an investment property that increase rents and/or decrease operating costs may also increase a property’s value. Cost and value, however, are not synonymous, and not all renovations are as profitable as one might expect.
salt

Higher winter maintenance costs anticipated

Private property owners in Ontario, including condo corporations, could find themselves paying a premium to keep their walkways safe this winter.
ICBA

What technology can’t replace in communities

What is being left behind as technology becomes more a part of day-to-day living in a community? Should some things be done the “old-fashioned” way?
zero carbon zcb

Moving toward a zero carbon economy

In a changing world where “zero carbon” is the ultimate goal in building design, can retrofits alone make Canada’s aging apartment stock sustainable?
office calgary conversion

Lighting the way to happier tenants

Good exterior lighting will beautify a property while also enhancing security. Here are some low-cost tips from rental property managers looking to 'light the way' to happier tenants:
elevators

Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted

The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.
live-in superintendents

Ontario leaves live-in superintendents exposed

For now, market demand and the goodwill of employers are still the prime determinants of superintendents' working conditions.
AIBC building envelopes

London fatal fire sparks high-rise safety concerns

The fatal fire that ripped through a 24-storey apartment tower in London, England, on Wednesday, June 14th, has left the city traumatized. Deemed one of the deadliest of its kind in the recent history, the blaze in the 120-unit Grenfell Tower council housing block has resulted in 30 confirmed deaths and dozens of lives still unaccounted for.
odour complaints

Sniffing out culprits for odour complaints

Scents associated with cigarette smoke, cooking and the garbage chute are among the most common odours complaints received by building managers.
Reliable Elevators Act

Reliable Elevators Act passes second reading

If it becomes law, the Reliable Elevators Act would require maintenance contractors to restore out-of-service elevators within 14 days in most buildings.
Toronto Community Housing

Toronto Community Housing in crisis

It has been another tumultuous month for Toronto Community Housing, Canada’s largest social housing provider. The city-run entity with a $9-billion portfolio is once again facing criticism for failing in the upkeep of its 58,000 units.
roof inspections

A property manager’s guide to roof inspections

At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.
elevator repairs

MPP proposes time limits for elevator repairs

Han Dong, the Liberal MPP for Trinity-Spadina, is proposing to set time limits for elevator repairs with a private member's bill.
fire safety

Fire safety steps for high-rise building owners

A recent fire in a Toronto high-rise apartment building has put the spotlight back on fire safety after numerous residents had to be rescued by Toronto Fire Services. Though no injuries were reported, the incident is a reminder that Fire Safety Plans are critical—especially when building fire alarm systems are rendered inoperative due to repair and maintenance projects.
apartment licensing program

Stricter rules ahead for GTA apartment owners

Toronto city council has approved a plan for a new apartment licensing program that will impose stricter rules for building owners, but could inadvertently lead to higher rents for tenants.