Can I install hardwood floors in my Ontario condo without permission?

Installing hardwood or hard-surface flooring in an Ontario condo frequently requires the corporation's approval, and many corporations impose strict requirements in this area. The primary reason is noise: hard floors transmit impact sound (footsteps, dropped objects) to units below much more than carpet, and condo communities are legally obligated to manage nuisance between units.

Your corporation's declaration or rules may outright require carpet in bedrooms and living areas, require an approved underlay product, or require submission of renovation plans and sometimes a deposit before hard flooring work begins. Installing hard floors without checking these requirements first is risky — the corporation can order you to remove non-compliant flooring and restore the unit to the original condition at your expense.

Review the corporation's rules and renovation policies, and submit a written request for approval before starting any hard-floor project. Your property manager can tell you what the process requires. If you buy a unit that already has hard floors, verify that the previous installation was properly approved.