My Vancouver condo bathroom stays steamy with the fan on, what now?

If your bathroom fan is running but steam isn't clearing, the fan is almost certainly undersized, failing, or venting improperly — and in Vancouver's damp climate, this is a problem you want to fix sooner rather than later.

Chronic moisture in a bathroom leads to mold growth, peeling paint, deteriorating drywall, and — in a strata building — potential damage to common property that could trigger a very expensive insurance claim. With strata deductibles in BC now commonly running $50,000–$250,000 for water damage, staying on top of moisture issues is genuinely important.

Start by checking whether the fan is actually working. Hold a single sheet of toilet paper up to the grille — if it doesn't stick or flutter noticeably, the fan isn't moving enough air. Bathroom fans are rated in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The general rule is 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom area, with a minimum of 50 CFM for small bathrooms. Most builder-grade fans installed in older Vancouver condos are woefully underpowered — 50 CFM units trying to clear a 100+ sq ft ensuite. A proper replacement for an average condo bathroom should be in the 80–110 CFM range.

Next, check where it's venting. This is the big one in condos. Fans must vent to the exterior of the building — not into the ceiling cavity, not into a common attic space. In many older Metro Vancouver strata buildings, fans were installed venting into the ceiling plenum, which is both ineffective and a code violation under BCBC 2024. If your duct is kinked, too long, or improperly terminated at the exterior, even a powerful fan won't perform well.

Here's where strata gets involved. Before you do anything beyond cleaning the grille, check your strata bylaws and get written approval from your strata council. The fan housing and ductwork — especially anything that penetrates the building envelope — is almost certainly common property. That means your strata may be responsible for maintaining or replacing the duct run, while you may be responsible for the fan unit itself. This distinction matters, and it varies by strata. Get it in writing before hiring anyone.

What it costs in Metro Vancouver:

• Fan replacement only (accessible unit, straightforward swap): $200–$450 installed


• Fan + duct inspection and correction: $400–$800


• Full duct reroute to exterior (complex access, drywall work): $800–$2,000+

In the meantime, run the fan for at least 20 minutes after every shower, and consider leaving the bathroom door slightly open to help air circulation. A small dehumidifier can also help while you sort out the fix.

Your next steps: Clean the grille and fan blades first (dust buildup kills CFM). Then review your strata bylaws and submit a written request to your strata council explaining the issue. Hire a licensed contractor — ideally one familiar with strata work — to assess the duct run and recommend the right fan size. Electrical work on the fan must be done by a contractor licensed with Technical Safety BC (TSBC).

Browse licensed contractors in our directory at the Vancouver Construction Network to find someone experienced with strata bathroom ventilation in the Lower Mainland.