September 2023
Oil leaks from cars are a common problem in condo garages and parking areas.
While the space is privately owned, maintaining garage infrastructure is an obligation of the condominium corporation. Oil can damage the garage floor so vehicles leaking oil are a problem. So, when oil leaks from a car, disputes arise about who must clean it up and possibly repair damage.
It is common for condo corporations to have a rule against doing automobile maintenance in the garage, or to allow the garage floor to be stained with oil, grease or cleaning fluids. The corporation may have authority to require a vehicle to be removed from the garage if such leaks are identified and not quickly resolved.
Repairing oil damage is expensive. A single stain from leaking engine or transmission fluid can cost between $100 and $500 to repair.
