Condominium laws in Quebec

The key obligations of a condominium syndicate.

A syndicate must manage several obligations, including the maintenance log, contingency fund, self-insurance fund, privacy requirements, records, certificates, the Quebec Enterprise Register and official documents.

Bill 16 Bill 141 Bill 25 Certificate
Compliant and well-documented management
Maintenance log and contingency fund
Self-insurance fund and insurance
Privacy and personal information
Certificates, records, the Quebec Enterprise Register and official documents

This page provides a plain-language overview of the main obligations. It is not a substitute for legal advice.

Overview

A syndicate must be organized, documented and able to demonstrate proper follow-up.

These obligations do not apply only to large buildings. Small syndicates must also retain their documents, plan maintenance, protect personal information and keep their administration up to date.

Bill 16

Maintenance log, contingency fund study and planning of major work.

Bill 141

Self-insurance fund, deductibles, insurance and financial protection for the syndicate.

Bill 25

Protection of personal information, restricted access and incident management.

Documents

Records, certificates, Quebec Enterprise Register filings, minutes, budgets, financial statements and contracts.

Bill 16

Maintenance log and contingency fund.

Bill 16 is intended to improve the planning of maintenance, major repairs and the building's long-term funding.

Maintenance log

The maintenance log documents the building's components, their condition, recommended maintenance, completed work and upcoming deadlines.

Inventory of common components
Photos, observations and history
Recommended maintenance and deadlines
Follow-up for the board of directors

Contingency fund study

The contingency fund study helps the syndicate forecast the amounts required for major repairs and the replacement of common portions.

Major-work projections
Estimated future costs
Contribution scenarios
Long-term financial planning
Bill 141

Self-insurance fund and insurance.

The self-insurance fund is separate from the contingency fund. It is intended in particular to cover certain expenses related to losses, deductibles and the syndicate's financial protection.

Self-insurance fund

A separate fund used to cover certain insurance expenses and financial obligations related to losses.

Insurance deductible

The insurance policy deductible affects the amount that must be included in the syndicate's financial planning.

Reconstruction cost appraisal

The syndicate should retain documents related to the building's insurable value and insurance coverage.

Co-owner insurance

Proof of insurance, deductibles and responsibilities may be important to the syndicate's administrative follow-up.

Do not confuse these funds: the contingency fund is used for major repairs and replacements. The self-insurance fund is used for insurance risks and deductibles.
Bill 25

Privacy and personal information.

A syndicate often holds personal information, including contact information, addresses, insurance documents, signatures, communications, portal access information and documents submitted by co-owners.

Restricted access

Personal information should be accessible only to individuals who need it to perform their duties.

Sensitive documents

Insurance documents, contact information, signatures, private requests and personal information must be stored carefully.

Privacy incident

In the event of unauthorized access, loss or accidental disclosure, the syndicate must respond quickly and document the situation.

Sale of a unit

Condominium certificate.

When a unit is sold, a certificate may be requested to provide certain administrative and financial information about the syndicate.

Information commonly included in a certificate

Amount of common expenses
Unit balance or arrears
Contingency fund
Self-insurance fund
Syndicate insurance
Known or planned work
Important proceedings or decisions
Documents available in the register
The certificate must be prepared carefully because it may be used by a buyer, broker, notary or lender to assess the syndicate's situation.
Syndicate register

Documents to retain and organize.

Sound management depends on a clear, complete and accessible register.

Legal documents

  • Declaration of co-ownership
  • Building bylaws
  • Meeting minutes
  • Board decisions
  • Condominium certificates

Financial documents

  • Annual budgets
  • Financial statements
  • Contracts and invoices
  • Contributions and common expenses
  • Tracking of separate funds

Building documents

  • Maintenance log
  • Contingency fund study
  • Maintenance contracts
  • Insurance and deductibles
  • Photos, inspections and work history
R.E.Q.

Quebec Enterprise Register.

The syndicate must keep its official information up to date, including its directors, address and filed information.

Directors

Changes to the board must be tracked and filed when required.

Official address

The syndicate's address and administrative contact information must remain valid.

Annual update

The annual declaration must be filed in accordance with applicable requirements.

Proof and confirmations

The syndicate should retain confirmations in its register.

Does your syndicate want to get organized?

PIL-Condo helps centralize documents, monitor obligations, prepare important information and organize syndicate management.