Start with the building owner and legal agreements
Owners often carry broad responsibility for building condition, but leases, management agreements, condo documents, and service contracts can allocate duties between parties. Do not assume one party is responsible without checking the documents.
Property managers usually coordinate, document, and escalate
A property manager may not own the building, but they often coordinate inspections, collect quotes, track deficiencies, communicate with owners or boards, and keep records. Good documentation protects the process.
Tenants may have responsibilities inside their space
Restaurants, retail units, industrial tenants, and offices may be responsible for access, equipment, kitchen suppression, extinguishers, renovations, or tenant improvements depending on lease terms.
Service providers are responsible for their work and advice
A provider should clearly state what they inspected, repaired, excluded, recommended, and documented. Customers should review provider qualifications, insurance, scope, and terms before hiring.
When responsibility is unclear, document and ask early
If a deficiency sits between landlord and tenant obligations, waiting can make the issue worse. Collect documents, communicate in writing, and obtain legal or professional advice where needed.