Updated: 2026-08-18
A summary organized by bylaw – maintenance, move-out, and maintenance renovation bylaws, based on the bylaws in effect as of August 2026.
Woodsworth has a number of bylaws and policies that outline the unit maintenance responsibilities of the co-operative and the members. There may be conflicting rules. Bylaws have precedence over policies. The Board can review queries and inconsistencies.
The by-laws and policies tell you what you can expect:
- when you move into a unit (unit condition)
- what changes you can make or are responsible for when you are living here
- how to make improvements including painting
- what you are responsible for when you move out of Woodsworth or relocate to a different unit within the co-op. These apply whether you are making an internal move or moving into Woodsworth for the first time
- how you apply for a unit or to relocate
1. Maintenance Bylaw
This is the core bylaw. However other later bylaws add or clarify it. It places responsibility on both the Co-op and members: the Co-op maintains common areas, building systems, and major repairs, while members are responsible for day-to-day care of their units, obtaining approval for alterations, reporting problems promptly, and ensuring units are left in reasonable condition at move-out.
Purpose
- Each member is responsible for the maintenance and care of Co-op property.
- The policy outlines the responsibilities of both the Co-op and individual members in keeping the units and property a pleasant place to live.
1. Fees
- Fees, when charged, generally consist of the cost of materials plus labour.
- The Co-op may waive or reduce fees where a member’s circumstances warrant it (e.g., financial hardship, poor health, physical handicap).
- Members are responsible for damage caused by themselves, their household, or guests.
- Lockout charges may be levied for opening units outside office hours.
- All members must pay a Maintenance Deposit.
- Unauthorized alterations may result in a fine and a requirement to restore the unit or pay the cost of restoration.
2. Common Area Maintenance
The Co-op is responsible for:
- Maintenance and periodic redecoration of interior common areas.
- Maintaining and servicing common mechanical systems and equipment.
- Regular testing of safety systems.
- Pest control in garbage rooms and garbage chutes.
- Maintaining notice boards.
- Inspecting and maintaining exterior common areas.
- All exterior painting.
- Snow removal from city sidewalks, building entrances, and common walkways.
- Gardening and grounds-keeping in common areas.
- Exterior window cleaning.
3. Unit Maintenance
Painting and Wallpapering
- Members must follow the Paint and Paper Policy.
- Members are responsible for painting their own units.
- The Co-op will supply sufficient paint to repaint according to policy and may assist members who are physically unable to do the work.
Windows
- The Co-op will replace broken windows and torn screens, although the member may be charged.Floor Coverings
- The Co-op maintains the urethane finish on hardwood floors.
- Member-installed carpets must not cause permanent damage.
- Co-op-installed carpeting will be replaced when worn.
Appliances
- Co-op-owned appliances may only be replaced with written permission.
- The Co-op maintains appliances that are Co-op property.
Plumbing
- Members must report leaks and plumbing problems immediately.
- The Co-op carries out plumbing repairs.
- Exterior faucet winterizing in townhouses is the member’s responsibility.
Electrical
- Prior approval is required for electrical alterations or additions.
- The Co-op performs repairs to the unit electrical system.
Heating
- The Co-op maintains townhouse furnaces and hot water tanks.
- The Co-op maintains apartment electric heating systems.
4. Exterior Private Areas
Yards
- Members are responsible for reasonable yard maintenance.
- Livestock and accumulated refuse are not permitted.
- Back gates must remain accessible for utility meter readers.
Fences
- Only the Co-op may paint or stain fences, gates, and exterior wooden steps.
- The Co-op repairs damaged fences, but members may be charged if damage results from neglect or abuse.
Front Entrances
- Townhouse and ground-floor apartment members are responsible for maintaining front entrance areas, including snow removal and rubbish removal.
- Sidewalks and front areas must comply with City of Toronto by-laws and guidelines.
5. Health and Safety
Garbage
- Garbage must be disposed of according to recycling, organic waste, and garbage policies.
Hazards
- Flammable materials must not be stored in units.
- Fire exits, stairs, corridors, and public thoroughfares must remain unobstructed.
- Smoke detectors must not be disconnected or painted.
Pest Control
- The Co-op may order spraying of an entire building where there is a serious pest problem.
- Assistance may be provided to members who cannot prepare for spraying, and a fee may be charged.
6. Improvements by Members
- Members are responsible for the cost of improvements or alterations.
- Fixtures in place are the property of the Co-op.
- Replacing or refinishing floor coverings (other than laying carpet) requires Co-op permission.
- Major structural changes, plumbing additions, wall changes, permanent wall coverings, and built-in furniture require prior written approval.
- Alterations that reduce the number of rooms are not permitted.
- Approved alterations become the permanent property of the Co-op.
- No compensation is provided for alterations or renovations when occupancy ends.
7. Move-Outs and Move-Ins
Move-Outs
- The Co-op will inspect the unit within 15 days of notice of move-out.
- The member will receive a list of repairs required to bring the unit to a reasonable condition.
- The member has 30 days to complete repairs before a second inspection.
- Deposits are not refunded until the Co-op has vacant possession of the unit.
- Deposits may be applied to repair or cleaning costs.
Move-Ins
- A move-in inspection is conducted with the new member, and a condition report is signed by both parties.
- The Co-op supplies paint for approved repainting in accordance with policy.
8. Inspections
- Units will be inspected regularly under the Inspections Policy.
- The Co-op will provide two weeks’ notice and may enter units between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the inspection date.
- The Co-op cannot specify the exact inspection time within that period.
2. Move-Out bylaw: repairs, condition, charges and move-in expectations
Purpose
The policy clarifies the Co-op’s expectations regarding the move-out condition of units.
Members will not be penalized for normal wear and tear.
The Co-op will try to ensure units are in reasonably acceptable condition for new occupants but does not guarantee an “as new” condition.
1. Inspections
After a member gives notice to move out, the Co-op will conduct an inspection within 15 days.
Staff must be able to inspect flooring under carpets and walls behind large furniture.
The Co-op will provide a list of repairs required (if any) to bring the unit to a condition it considers reasonable.
A follow-up inspection will occur just before move-out.
No Maintenance Deposit refund will be issued until after final inspection and acceptance by the new occupant. Any disputes, repairs, and costs must be resolved first.
Any agreements between outgoing and incoming members must be documented in writing and filed with the Co-op office.
2. Floor and Wall Covering
Floor and wall coverings are governed by the Co-op’s Floor Covering and Wall Covering Policies.
The Co-op generally refinishes parquet floors at move-out, but members may be charged if recently refinished floors are damaged beyond normal wear and tear.
Seriously soiled Co-op carpet will be cleaned at the outgoing member’s expense. If replacement is required due to damage or soil, charges are calculated under the damage formula.
Carpet installed by a member must be removed by that member unless the incoming member agrees otherwise.
Where a member declined previously offered Co-op flooring, an incoming member may request installation of the new flooring.
3. Renovations
Temporary renovations should normally be returned to original condition unless the incoming member agrees in writing to accept them and assume responsibility.
Permanent renovations require prior Co-op approval and must be completed before move-out, or the Co-op may complete the work and bill the outgoing member.
Unapproved renovations are assessed case by case. Well-done renovations that would likely have been approved may be left in place; otherwise, the Co-op may require restoration and charge the outgoing member.
Incomplete approved renovations may result in charges for completion, depending on livability.
Any insulated air-conditioning panels removed for an air conditioner must be replaced.
4. Partial Payment for Damages
Because repairing a small area may require replacing a much larger area, the Co-op recognizes depreciation and normal wear and tear.
Carpet: Remaining life (based on 15 years) × percentage of area damaged × replacement cost.
Countertops: 50% of the cost of replacing the damaged section.
Parquet flooring: If refinished within the last 5 years, charges are based on the proportion of floor damaged.
5. Other Charges
If a unit requires cleaning before a new member moves in, the cost may be billed to the outgoing member.
If painting or wallpapering was not done according to policy, the incoming member may perform the work, but related expenses may be charged to the outgoing member.
6. Work the Co-op May Perform (charged to outgoing member)
The Co-op may undertake and charge for:
Major repairs to walls, floors, and ceilings.
Major cleaning.
Painting required because previous work did not comply with policy.
Replacement of fixtures such as screens, doorknobs, and light fixtures.
7. Expectations of Incoming Members
Acceptance of a unit includes acceptance of a fixed, non-negotiable move-in date.
The Co-op will try to remedy major deficiencies before move-in, but delays (other than floor refinishing) will not change move-in dates. Members may need to accept the unit “as is.”
Incoming members will be allowed to inspect the unit and will be informed of known deficiencies before acceptance.
Major work (e.g., floor refinishing, fumigation, structural repairs) may delay access to the unit before move-in.
If additional vacancy time is requested for redecorating, the incoming member is responsible for the resulting vacancy loss.
Repainting, wallpaper removal (if previously done according to policy), and filling small nail holes are the responsibility of the incoming member.
The Co-op will not replace baseboards.
Staff decide whether floors will be refinished, based on condition and budget.
The Co-op will change the entrance-door lock cylinder as soon as possible after move-out.
Any staff decision under this policy may be appealed to the Board of Directors.
3. Maintenance Renovation Bylaw
The policy emphasizes prior approval, compliance with building standards, completion of work, and responsibility for restoring or maintaining renovations. Members should consult the Co-op before undertaking any significant renovation.
A. General
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No renovations involving drilling through exterior walls without specific approval.
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Renovations that reduce the number of rooms are not permitted.
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All permanent renovations require prior written approval from the Co-op, including structural, plumbing, and electrical changes.
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Approved permanent renovations become the permanent property of the Co-op unless otherwise arranged.
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All renovations must comply with the Ontario Building Code, be completed within a reasonable time, and be inspected by staff.
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Poorly completed renovations may be finished by the Co-op at the member’s expense.
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No compensation is provided for renovations when occupancy ends.
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Unauthorized renovations may have to be reversed at the member’s expense unless they would normally have been approved, are accepted by the incoming member, and are well done.
B. Approval Process
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Members must submit detailed plans and a request for approval.
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Staff may approve renovations that match previously approved types.
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New or different renovations must go to the Maintenance Committee.
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Renovations must be completed within 6 months, or before the next unit inspection, whichever is longer.
C. Types of Renovation
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Type
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Key Point
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Permanent Approved Renovations
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Become a permanent part of the unit and Co-op property; not restored for future occupants.
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Temporary Renovations
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Must generally be returned to previous condition when the member moves out.
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Bonded Temporary Renovations
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Require a deposit sufficient to restore the unit if future members do not want the renovation.
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D. Specific Renovation Rules
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All electrical work must be arranged or approved through the office.
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Pot lights are not permitted in existing ceilings but may be installed in basements or recreation rooms with suspended ceilings.
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Must be installed safely and properly maintained.
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Members are responsible for any damage caused by air conditioners.
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Central air conditioning in townhouses is permitted with prior approval; maintenance and removal are the member’s responsibility unless the incoming member agrees otherwise.
Uniformity and Exterior Areas
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The Co-op maintains uniformity of common areas and exterior appearances.
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Exterior changes such as sun porches are generally not approved.
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Members may not paint or stain fences.
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Decks, lattice work, and other backyard structures require approval and must be easily removable or accessible for maintenance.
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Members removing fixtures must store them and may be responsible for reinstalling them.
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Plumbing changes require Co-op approval.
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Faucet replacements must use copper pipes, be installed by a plumber, and be inspected by staff.
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Built-in dishwashers are permitted with approval, and the member is responsible for restoring the cupboard at move-out unless staff determines restoration is unnecessary.
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Must maintain adequate furnace clearance and meet Building Code requirements.
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Any installed ceilings must be suspended ceilings.
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Members may request safety devices such as grab bars, which are normally installed at the Co-op’s expense.
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Replacing or refinishing floors requires permission under the Floor Covering Policy.
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Painting, wallpapering, or applying other wall finishes must follow the Wall-Covering Policy.
Rules about wall-to-wall carpeting – installation, who owns it, etc. Approvals needed for changing co-op installed carpeting or tiling.
Wallpaper policies including type, moving. Painting including information about ordering paint from the office (paint ordering procedure) and paint order form.
Section 3.5 (e) says that before returning the maintenance deposit, the co-op can deduct any amount which the member owes because the unit was not left in the condition required under the co-op by-laws.
Section 5 Members Units includes maintenance and repair, privacy, damage by fire.
To make the maintenance bylaws a little more user friendly, key portions of our current approved bylaws have been put together in this webpage. Most come from the Move-Out Bylaw, but each portion is annotated with article number so you can find it in the full bylaw.
See related documents about moves and unit allocation.
Relocations and moves
Occupancy standards (minimum number of people for units). Waiting lists, relocation requests. Management manages unit allocations and moves.
Unit allocation
External waiting list, floor plans, occupancy standards (number of residents needed for different sized units), allocating units between internal and external waiting lists.
