Effective Date: August 16, 2026
Version: 2026.08.16
These Service Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to services performed by Home Trade Standards Ltd. (“HTS”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
These Terms are intended to be read together with the applicable estimate, quotation, proposal, work order, service authorization and any approved changes relating to the services being provided.
1. Your Agreement With HTS
The applicable estimate, quotation, proposal, work order or service authorization describing the services selected by the Client (the “Proposal”), together with these Terms and any approved written changes, collectively form the agreement between HTS and the Client (the “Agreement”).
Where a Proposal refers or links to these Terms, the Client accepts the Agreement by signing, electronically approving, or providing written authorization to proceed, including approval by email.
By approving the Proposal, the Client confirms that these Terms were made available before authorization and that the Client had an opportunity to review them.
The version of these Terms in effect on the date the Proposal is accepted will apply to that Work.
If a specific written provision contained in the Proposal conflicts with these general Terms, the specific provision in the Proposal will govern to the extent of that conflict.
2. Scope OF Work
HTS will perform only the specific services described and authorized in the Proposal or an approved change to the Proposal (the “Work”).
HTS’s responsibility is limited to the authorized Scope of Work.
Unless specifically included in writing, HTS is not retained to perform a complete inspection, engineering review, code review, building-system assessment or investigation of every component, condition or system located within or connected to the area where the Work is performed.
The presence of an HTS technician at a Property does not mean that HTS has inspected, approved, certified or assumed responsibility for every condition or component located at the Property.
Conditions or deficiencies outside the authorized Scope of Work may be brought to the Client’s attention but remain outside HTS’s responsibility unless additional Work is authorized.
3. Estimates, Additional Work & Changes
Pricing and Scope of Work are based on the information and conditions reasonably available to HTS when the Proposal is prepared.
Additional labour, materials or services may be required if HTS discovers:
concealed or previously unknown conditions;
inaccurate information;
damaged or deteriorated existing components;
improper previous installations or repairs;
building restrictions or requirements;
accessibility limitations;
hazardous conditions; or
other circumstances that could not reasonably have been anticipated.
Additional Work will be subject to Client authorization where required.
Nothing in these Terms limits any mandatory rights or requirements applicable to consumer estimates or changes to consumer agreements.
4. Condominium Access, Compliance & Contractor Documentation
HTS routinely performs Work within condominium properties.
Upon request and where applicable, HTS may provide its Certificate of Insurance (COI), WSIB Clearance and standard contractor documentation directly to Property Management or the condominium corporation to assist with contractor compliance and building access requirements.
Unless specifically included in HTS’s Scope of Work, the Client is responsible for arranging or obtaining any required:
condominium or Property Management approval;
building access;
security access;
elevator reservation;
loading or parking arrangements;
mechanical or water shutdown;
electrical shutdown;
building staff attendance;
resident or management notices;
permits; or
other building-specific requirements.
HTS is not responsible for delays, additional attendance or additional costs resulting from denied access, unavailable building personnel, missing approvals or requirements outside HTS’s control.
The existence or amount of insurance carried by HTS does not expand or increase HTS’s contractual liability under the Agreement.
5. Pre-Existing, Concealed & Unknown Conditions
Buildings and mechanical systems may contain deterioration, deficiencies or conditions that existed before HTS attended the Property.
HTS is not responsible for loss, damage, malfunction or additional Work arising from conditions that were pre-existing, concealed, unknown or unrelated to HTS’s Work.
Examples include:
corrosion or rust;
deteriorated piping;
worn or brittle components;
concealed leaks;
defective or aging solder joints;
improper previous repairs;
improper installation by others;
defective wiring;
plumbing deficiencies;
drainage deficiencies;
water damage;
mold or moisture;
structural conditions;
hazardous materials;
improper system design;
equipment deterioration; and
defects that could not reasonably be identified within the authorized Scope of Work.
Where reasonable servicing requires HTS to handle, disconnect, reconnect, isolate, test or remove an existing aged or deteriorated component, HTS will exercise reasonable care but does not guarantee that the existing component will withstand normal service procedures without failure.
6. Condominium Common Elements & Shared Building Systems
Equipment located inside an individual condominium unit may depend upon systems serving multiple units or controlled by the condominium corporation.
These may include:
heating and cooling water risers;
condensate stacks;
common drainage systems;
supply and return piping;
pumps;
boilers;
chillers;
cooling towers;
building controls;
electrical distribution;
ventilation systems;
ducts;
shafts;
walls, ceilings and penetrations; and
other common or shared building systems.
Unless specifically included in the Scope of Work, HTS does not inspect, warrant or assume responsibility for the condition, capacity, operation, maintenance or future performance of these systems.
HTS is not responsible for a malfunction, leak, backup, restriction, water condition or deficiency originating from a common or shared building system except to the extent directly caused by negligent workmanship performed by HTS within the authorized Scope of Work.
7. Condensate, Drainage & Water Management
7.1 In-Suite HVAC Work Does Not Include The Entire Drainage System
Servicing, maintaining, repairing or replacing an HVAC unit does not automatically constitute an inspection, cleaning, certification or warranty of the entire condensate drainage system serving the Property.
Unless expressly included in the Scope of Work, HTS does not assume responsibility for:
concealed condensate piping;
downstream drainage piping;
vertical condensate stacks;
common-element drains;
concealed fittings or connections;
piping behind walls or ceilings;
previous repairs or alterations;
drainage infrastructure serving other units; or
portions of the system outside the equipment being serviced.
7.2 Drainage And Condensate Testing
Where HTS performs a condensate or drainage test, the test represents the observable operation of the system at the time and under the conditions in which the test is performed.
A successful drainage test does not guarantee that:
the drain will remain unrestricted;
a future blockage or backup will not occur;
concealed piping is free of defects;
an intermittent restriction does not exist;
a common condensate stack is properly maintained;
a concealed connection will not subsequently leak; or
the complete drainage system will continue to operate without interruption.
7.3 Existing Drainage Conditions
HTS is not responsible for loss or water damage resulting from a pre-existing or unrelated condition such as:
concealed or partial drain restrictions;
common-stack backups;
corrosion;
improper slope;
defective previous repairs;
deteriorated solder joints;
foreign material or debris;
building drainage deficiencies; or
conditions located outside HTS’s Scope of Work,
except to the extent directly caused by HTS’s negligent workmanship.
7.4 Recommended Corrective Work
HTS may recommend additional investigation, drain cleaning, piping repair, condensate-stack servicing, overflow protection, float switches or other corrective measures.
Where the Client elects not to proceed with recommended Work, HTS does not assume responsibility for a subsequent loss resulting from the condition that prompted the recommendation, except to the extent directly caused by HTS’s negligent workmanship.
8. Diagnostics, Inspections & Testing
HVAC and mechanical problems may be intermittent, concealed or dependent upon operating conditions that are not present during a service visit.
A diagnosis, maintenance visit, inspection or test represents HTS’s professional observations based upon the conditions reasonably observable at the time.
Unless specifically included in the Scope of Work, HTS does not guarantee that a limited diagnostic visit, inspection or maintenance service will identify every existing or future defect.
HTS does not provide engineering certification, building-system certification, environmental assessment or comprehensive code-compliance review unless such professional services are expressly included in writing.
9. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
provide accurate information regarding known issues and previous Work;
disclose known water leaks, flooding, drainage problems or building deficiencies;
provide reasonable and safe access to the Work area;
obtain approvals and building arrangements that are the Client’s responsibility;
maintain the equipment after service in accordance with reasonable requirements;
follow written safety or maintenance recommendations provided by HTS;
promptly report abnormal equipment operation, water leakage or other potentially damaging conditions; and
take reasonable steps to prevent or reduce further damage once a potentially damaging condition becomes known.
HTS is not responsible for additional damage resulting from an unreasonable failure to report or mitigate a known condition.
10. Work Performed BY Others
HTS is not responsible for the workmanship, acts, omissions, representations or recommendations of:
previous contractors;
other trades;
property-management personnel;
condominium staff;
building operators;
manufacturers;
engineers;
consultants;
residents;
tenants; or
other third parties.
If another person modifies, disconnects, adjusts, repairs or interferes with Work completed by HTS, HTS may require an investigation before determining whether any applicable workmanship warranty continues to apply.
11. Warranties
Home Trade Standards provides a one-year parts and labour warranty on the work we complete. Coverage applies to the completed work, not a new unrelated fault or work outside the agreed scope. Separate manufacturer warranties follow the equipment manufacturer’s terms.
The HTS warranty covers the parts supplied and labour performed as part of the completed HTS work. It does not extend to unrelated equipment or work outside that scope.
The one-year HTS parts and labour warranty applies to the completed HTS work. It does not cover:
normal wear and tear;
manufacturer defects in equipment or parts outside the completed HTS work;
consumable items;
corrosion;
lack of maintenance;
pre-existing conditions;
water quality;
building-system deficiencies;
drainage or condensate-stack restrictions;
utility interruptions;
improper operation;
misuse or abuse;
Work subsequently altered by others;
third-party damage; or
conditions outside HTS’s Scope of Work.
Manufacturer parts and equipment warranties are provided by the applicable manufacturer and remain subject to that manufacturer’s terms, exclusions and procedures.
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits a warranty or statutory right that cannot lawfully be excluded.
12. Damage, Leak OR Claim Reporting
If the Client believes that HTS’s Work has caused a defect, leak, equipment malfunction or property damage, the Client must notify HTS promptly after discovery and provide reasonable information regarding the condition.
Except in a genuine emergency, the Client agrees to provide HTS with a reasonable opportunity to inspect the alleged condition before permanent, destructive or corrective Work is performed by another contractor.
Nothing prevents the Client, condominium corporation, Property Management, emergency personnel or another contractor from taking reasonable emergency measures necessary to:
stop active water flow;
protect occupants;
protect property; or
prevent additional damage.
Where reasonably possible, photographs, damaged components, reports and other relevant evidence should be preserved so that the cause of the condition can be properly investigated.
HTS is not responsible for additional damage caused by an unreasonable failure to mitigate an active or known condition.
13. Responsibility For HTS Work
HTS stands behind the Work that it actually performs.
Where direct physical damage to property is proven to have been actually and proximately caused by negligent workmanship performed by HTS within the authorized Scope of Work, HTS’s responsibility will be determined in accordance with the Agreement and applicable law.
The occurrence of a malfunction, leak, backup, equipment failure or other loss after HTS attended the Property does not, by itself, establish that the condition was caused by HTS.
HTS does not assume responsibility for a condition merely because HTS was the most recent contractor to attend the equipment or Property.
14. Limitation OF Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HTS shall be liable only for direct physical damage to property to the extent actually and proximately caused by negligent workmanship performed by HTS within the authorized Scope of Work.
HTS shall not be liable for damage, loss or claims arising from conditions outside the authorized Scope of Work or not directly caused by HTS’s negligent workmanship.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HTS shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive or consequential losses, including:
loss of use;
loss of rental income;
loss of revenue or business opportunity;
relocation expenses;
alternative accommodation expenses;
personal inconvenience;
increased utility expenses; or
diminution in property value.
Nothing in this section limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded.
15. Maximum Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HTS’s total cumulative liability arising out of or relating to the specific Work giving rise to a claim, whether asserted in contract, tort, negligence, warranty or otherwise, shall not exceed the greater of:
(a) the amount actually paid to HTS for the specific Work giving rise to the claim; or
(b) CAD $5,000.00.
This limitation does not apply to liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded.
16. Commercial & Condominium Corporation Clients
Where the Client is a condominium corporation, Property Management company acting in a commercial capacity, corporation, business, landlord acting for business purposes, developer or other commercial entity, the Client agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold HTS harmless from third-party claims arising from:
the Client’s breach of the Agreement;
inaccurate or incomplete information supplied to HTS;
failure to obtain required approvals or authority;
pre-existing or concealed Property conditions;
common or shared building systems outside HTS’s Scope of Work; or
acts or omissions of contractors or persons not under HTS’s control.
This indemnity does not apply to the extent a claim is directly caused by negligent workmanship performed by HTS or to any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
For individual consumers, this section applies only to the extent permitted by applicable consumer-protection legislation.
17. Hazardous & Unsafe Conditions
HTS may suspend, stop or postpone Work where it reasonably identifies an unsafe or potentially hazardous condition, including:
suspected asbestos or hazardous materials;
unsafe electrical conditions;
structural hazards;
unsafe access;
contamination; or
other circumstances presenting an unreasonable risk to persons or property.
Investigation, removal, remediation or accommodation of such conditions is outside the Scope of Work unless expressly included.
18. Engineering, Design & Building-System Responsibility
Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, HTS is retained as an HVAC/mechanical contractor and not as the Client’s professional engineer, architect or building consultant.
HTS may provide technical observations and contractor recommendations based upon field conditions and experience. Such observations do not constitute engineering certification or a comprehensive building-system design review.
Where professional engineering or other specialized professional review is reasonably required, HTS may recommend that the appropriate professional be retained.
19. Payment, Deposits & Scheduling
Prices, deposits, payment requirements and payment schedules will be as stated in the applicable Proposal or invoice.
The Client is responsible for applicable taxes and charges disclosed as part of the Agreement.
Scheduling is subject to:
equipment and material availability;
condominium requirements;
required approvals;
site conditions;
manufacturer or supplier availability; and
circumstances reasonably outside HTS’s control.
Special-order or custom equipment may be subject to manufacturer or supplier cancellation and restocking conditions.
Any mandatory consumer cancellation or refund rights available under applicable law remain unaffected.
20. Delays & Events Outside HTS’S Control
HTS is not responsible for reasonable delays caused by circumstances outside its control, including:
manufacturer or supplier delays;
equipment shortages;
building shutdown restrictions;
access restrictions;
weather;
utility interruption;
labour disruption;
emergency conditions;
governmental requirements; or
acts or omissions of third parties.
HTS will make reasonable efforts to communicate material scheduling changes.
21. Non-Waivable & Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms is intended to waive, exclude or limit any statutory right, consumer protection, warranty or liability that cannot lawfully be waived, excluded or limited under applicable law.
Where the Client is an individual consumer and a provision of the Agreement conflicts with a mandatory requirement of applicable consumer-protection legislation, the mandatory legal requirement will prevail to the extent of the conflict.
22. Electronic Communications & Documents
The Client agrees that Proposals, approvals, invoices, service documentation, warranty information and other records relating to the Work may be communicated electronically.
Where a Proposal permits approval by email or another electronic method, such written electronic approval may constitute authorization to proceed with the Work and acceptance of the Agreement.
Clients are encouraged to retain a copy of the applicable Proposal and these Terms for their records.
23. Entire Agreement
The applicable Proposal, these Terms, approved written changes and any project-specific written terms collectively constitute the Agreement relating to the Work.
No oral representation changes the Agreement unless subsequently confirmed in writing by HTS.
Headings are included for convenience and do not limit the meaning of any provision.
24. Severability
If any portion of these Terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted or limited to the minimum extent reasonably necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.
25. Governing Law
The Agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
26. Payments And Refunds
- Payments may be made via Interac e-Transfer or major Credit Cards (all credit card transactions are subject to a 3% processing surcharge).
- Invoices are due as stated at the time of service, noted on estimates, proposals, and invoices, or as agreed upon.
- Customers are entitled to a 10-day cooling-off period from the date of entering into a service agreement for replacement parts, during which they may cancel with 25% re-stcoking fee, subject to applicable consumer protection laws.
- Refunds are only issued in accordance with the cooling-off period or as required by law. Outside of these circumstances and/or after services have been delivered, refunds may be limited to cases where work was not performed as agreed.
27. Contact Home Trade Standards
Home Trade Standards Ltd.
Condo HVAC Specialists
North York: 3983 Chesswood Drive, North York, Ontario
Markham: 151 Esna Park Drive, Unit 30, Markham, Ontario
Telephone: 416-736-7001
Email: service@hometradestandards.com
Website: www.hometradestandards.com
Acceptance OF These Terms
Where these Terms are referenced or linked in an HTS Proposal, the Client’s written, signed or electronic approval of that Proposal confirms that these Terms were made available before authorization, that the Client had an opportunity to review them, and that the Proposal, these Terms and any approved written changes collectively form the Client’s Agreement with Home Trade Standards – Condo HVAC Specialists.