Who’s Responsible for Common Areas in a Condo Claim?
Understand what happens when damage or injuries occur in shared spaces and who pays for what
Common areas in a condominium, like hallways, lobbies, stairwells, gyms, or parking garages, are used by everyone but owned by no one individually. So when something goes wrong in one of these spaces, figuring out who’s responsible can be confusing. Is it the condo board? Is it your personal insurance? What if you’re the one who caused the problem?
This matters when you live in a shared building and use common spaces every day. You might think about this the next time someone slips in the hallway, a pipe bursts in the laundry room, or you accidentally scratch a neighbour’s car in the underground garage.
What the Condo Corporation Covers
The condo corporation’s insurance policy is responsible for the physical structure of the building and all commonly shared areas. This typically includes:
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Damage to hallways, elevators, and stairwells
Repairs for fire, water, or physical damage caused by accidents or building failures. -
Repairs to shared systems
Such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC infrastructure that services multiple units. -
Liability for injuries in common spaces
If a guest or resident is injured in a shared area and the board is found responsible for poor maintenance or unsafe conditions. -
Shared amenities
This includes fitness rooms, party spaces, and rooftop patios.
The cost of this coverage is built into your condo fees and protects the collective interest of all owners.
| Common Area | Covered By | Type of Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Hallways and elevators | Condo corporation | Building damage, liability for unsafe conditions |
| Parking garage | Condo corporation (structure) | Owner’s personal insurance (for vehicle damage) |
| Shared gym or pool | Condo corporation | Maintenance-related risks or building damage |
| Guest injuries in lobby | Condo corporation’s liability | If board is negligent in maintenance |
Note: If damage in a common area exceeds the building’s policy limits or triggers a large deductible, the condo board may issue a loss assessment that individual owners must help pay.
When Your Personal Insurance Comes Into Play
Even though the condo board insures the shared areas, your personal policy may still be involved in a few scenarios:
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If you cause the damage
For example, if you accidentally overflow your washing machine and water seeps into a hallway, your personal liability coverage may help pay for cleanup and repairs. -
If your guest causes an injury or damage
Your policy might step in to cover injuries or costs if a visitor you invited into the building causes harm or damages common property. -
If the condo board issues a special assessment
Your loss assessment coverage can help pay your share if the board charges owners to cover damage or liability not fully covered by their policy.
Tip: Make sure your personal liability coverage includes damage to common property. Many insurers offer this as a standard feature or as a small add-on.
Why Shared Responsibility Requires Personal Protection
Living in a condo means that some responsibilities are shared, but your exposure is still personal. You can be held accountable for damage you cause, even in a space that technically belongs to everyone. Without the right policy in place, a simple accident in a hallway or garage could lead to unexpected costs.
Caution: Always report accidents in common areas to the property manager immediately. Delays can make it harder to determine who’s responsible and may affect whether your claim is approved.
Knowing how condo insurance works in common areas helps you avoid confusion when claims arise. It also ensures that when the unexpected happens, you’re protected, no matter where it occurs in your building.