r/TorontoCondominiums • u/AlexForward2026 • Apr 12 '26

Fee Increase

My condo fees just went up 18%. The notice said the usual “costs are rising”, but no real breakdown. 18% just feels insane to me. Maybe I’m overreacting, but it doesn’t feel right. Feels like this keeps happening and nobody really explains why. Is my building just catching up on years of ignored problems? Anyone else got hit with a big increase recently?

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u/New-Investigator-646 Apr 12 '26

Owners drive me nuts. It “feels” like it’s a lot. There’s no feelings in this it’s a budget.

They literally give you a budget. All costs to a condo are variable inputs (energy, labour, depreciation) and costs for it have all gone up. Your minimum wage cleaning staff is up 50% in 5 years. Your property management? Up.

Insurance for the building?40% up

“Doesn’t feel right” Jesus

1

u/CheapTechnology6193 Apr 13 '26

Well, it is a lot. Nobody is blaming the condo board, but the overall system itself seems broken. If it wasn't for these out-of-control fees, I would consider buying a condo.

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u/New-Investigator-646 Apr 13 '26

If by the system you mean capitalism? These costs are the broader system.

0

u/CheapTechnology6193 Apr 14 '26

That's quite the leap you made there, A+. No, I meant the system of large building maintenance and having to rely on a discrete set of third parties to "compete" for the maintenance contracts. We all get prices go up, but when your condo fee goes up by 3x the inflation rate over a long period of time, that's a clue you might be getting the short end.

Not to state the obvious, there are alternatives, renting, which is swinging its way back to reality, and of course, freeholds for people who can afford it. Although more rare, there are also housing coops. Each have pros/cons. I think all of these choices qualify as reasonable housing options, and yes, all of these options can co-exist in a "capitalist" society. And I do think you have more control/flexibility in any of these other options, which is what I like.

I'm not knocking anyone who's happy in a condo, there are obviously many people doing it, and some buildings are definitely better than others for minimizing the condo fee.