Owning a condo is a dream for many, but paying condo maintenance fees every month? Not so much. These fees cover essential services like building upkeep, shared utilities, and amenities—but how much should you expect to pay, and are they worth it? 

In this guide, we’ll break down condo maintenance fees in Canada, including costs, what they cover, tax implications, and even how you can pay your condo fees with a credit card using Chexy.

What Are Condo Maintenance Fees?

Condo maintenance fees are monthly fees paid by everyone who owns a condo in the building, used to cover everything from repairs to utilities. These fees are typically calculated based on your unit size, building size, and amenities. They are paid in addition to your mortgage payments, property taxes, and other expenses. 

Only condo owners must pay maintenance fees; if you’re renting, your landlord will typically cover them. 

What Do Condo Maintenance Fees Cover?

Condominium fees generally include:

• Utilities (most cover water and trash)

• Landscaping

• General maintenance

• Emergency repairs

• Building insurance

• Common elements maintenance 

• Amenities such as a swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, gym, tennis court, and games room

Condo maintenance fees usually also cover a reserve fund, a pool of money the building sets aside for major expenses beyond regular maintenance. This can be used for renovations, lobby and flooring redesign, and more. 

When buying your condo unit, your lawyer should show you the building’s status certificate, which includes details on the reserve fund–i.e., how much it is and what it can be used for. 

How Much Are Condo Fees? 

Condo maintenance fees are typically based on a few things, such as the size of your unit, whether the building is high-rise, how many buildings are in the complex, the amenities, and anticipated annual expenses. 

Condo fees in Canada can range anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per month. 

Larger units or buildings, or those with more amenities, will often have to pay higher condo fees. And the fees will often go up each year, in line with inflation and property taxes. 

How Are Condo Maintenance Fees Calculated?

Condominium fees are usually calculated and set by the condo board or the homeowners association (HOA). When you purchase a condominium, you become part of the condo board, and you have a say in deciding on the rules and enforcing them. You are also responsible for paying the monthly fee. 

Condo fees are generally calculated per square foot of your unit. 

Average Condo Maintenance Fees in Canada 

Condo maintenance fees will depend greatly on your unit size, building age, amenities, and, of course, location. Here are the average condo maintenance fees in some of the largest cities in Canada. 

• Average condo fees in Toronto: $0.70 per square foot

• Average condo fees in Ottawa: $0.70 per square foot

• Average condo fees in Montreal: $0.27 per square foot

• Average condo fees in Vancouver: $0.46 per square foot

• Average condo fees in Calgary: $0.59 per square foot

*These figures are updated as of April 2025, taken from WOWA and Condos.ca. 

Let’s say you own an 800-square-foot condo. The average monthly condo fees would be around:

• Toronto: $560

• Ottawa: $560

• Montreal: $216

• Vancouver: $368

• Calgary: $472

Condo Fees vs HOA Fees: What’s the Difference?

While there are many similarities, condo fees and HOA fees have a few differences. 

A homeowner’s association (HOA) is similar to a condo association, where they set and enforce rules for property owners in the community. In an HOA, each homeowner owns their home, and the HOA owns the common areas. The HOA usually has a board of directors who set the monthly fees, called HOA fees. 

Typically, HOA fees cover:

• Maintenance of shared spaces (e.g. landscaping, roads, parks)

• Security and amenities 

• Enforcement of community rules

Condo fees are usually more expensive than HOA fees, as condo owners have to pay to repair the entire condo building and common areas. In contrast, homeowners take care of their homes, so the HOA fees don’t cover the cost of other people’s houses. 

In Canada, condo fees are more common, while HOA fees are rare and only really apply to private neighbourhoods. 

Can You Pay Condo Maintenance Fees with a Credit Card in Canada?

Generally, you can’t pay condo maintenance fees with a credit card in Canada. You can ask your property manager, but keep in mind that they might charge a hefty fee (2-3% or even more!). 

Accepted payment methods are generally pre-authorized debit, Bill Pay, Interac e-Transfer, and sometimes, post-dated cheques. However, Chexy now has a solution–you CAN pay condo fees with your credit card.  

Use Chexy to Pay Your Condo Fees & Earn Rewards

Most condo boards in Canada don’t accept credit card payments directly, making it difficult for condo owners to manage cash flow. On top of that, you’re essentially just throwing away money that you could be earning rewards on. 

Enter Chexy–a whole new way to pay condo maintenance fees, property taxes, subscriptions, bills, rent, and even taxes with a credit card. 

Why Use Chexy for Condo Fees?

• Earn Credit Card Rewards: If your credit card offers more than 1.75% in cashback, points, or travel rewards, you can come out ahead by using Chexy. Cards with high Aeroplan, Scene+, or travel multipliers can make this fee worthwhile. Think the Scotia Momentum VI or the Amex Aeroplan Reserve. 

• Improve Cash Flow: Instead of paying condo fees directly from your bank account, you can free up cash by paying with a credit card and paying it off a month later. This is especially useful if you time it with your billing cycle–which you should pay off in full & on time every month. 

• Build Credit: As each on-time bill payment is reported to the credit bureaus, using Chexy consistently can help improve your credit score over time.

• Convenience: Set up recurring payments through Chexy so you never miss a deadline.

How to Pay Condo Fees with Chexy

1. Sign Up for Chexy: Create an account and add your condo management company as a payee.

2. Link Your Credit Card: Use a credit card with rewards exceeding 1.75% to maximize your benefits.

3. Enter Your Payment Details: Input your condo fee amount and confirm the transaction.

4. Chexy Transfers the Funds: Chexy processes the payment within 3 business days and sends it directly to your property management company.

5. Earn Rewards: Enjoy the benefits of earning points or cashback while keeping your cash on hand longer.

If you pay condo fees or bills associated with the upkeep of your condo, get rewarded for those payments. Get started with Chexy today. 

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FAQs

Are condo maintenance fees tax-deductible?

If you are a landlord renting out your condo, you can deduct condo maintenance fees from your rental income. Any fees representing your share of maintenance, upkeep, and repairs can be deducted. Thus, you can lower your tax rates and pay less income tax. 

However, primary residents and condo owners who live in the unit cannot deduct condo fees when doing their taxes. 

Are condo maintenance fees paid monthly or yearly?

Condo owners often don’t have a choice between paying the fees monthly or yearly; most condominium owners are billed monthly. 

Do condo fees include property taxes?

No, condo fees do not include property taxes; they are paid separately by condo owners. 

Condo maintenance fees are charged by the condo corporation to run the day-to-day business as well as for any future repairs, while property taxes are charged by the city to run the city and pay for future repairs. 

What is the condo fee increase limit in Ontario?

Condo fees are based on the condo board’s projected expenses as outlined in the annual budget. From year to year, the condo fees may increase with no limit due to inflation, repairs, or required upgrades. 

What happens if you don’t pay condo maintenance fees?

Besides being on not-so-great terms with your fellow condo owners and the condo association, not paying your maintenance fees could lead to hefty interest charges, or you could be denied access to the condo amenities. Worst case, you could be faced with legal consequences.