Abri Tempo in a Quebec divided co-ownership: permits, votes and fines

Installing an Abri Tempo comes around every autumn. In a divided co-ownership, this simple car shelter can quickly create friction between co-owners, especially when the rules are unclear. Between the declaration of co-ownership, the by-laws of the immovable, municipal permits and decisions by the board of directors (CA), clear guidelines are essential.

This article explains, in practical terms, what is permitted, who votes on what and what sanctions apply when the rules are not followed. Updated as of 2026-08-13. If you are looking for a concise answer: without an adopted policy and a valid municipal permit, it is best to refrain. The watchwords are: plan and document.

Is it permitted? Legal and municipal framework

• Declaration of co-ownership and by-laws of the immovable. Your declaration of co-ownership (DCV) and the by-laws of the immovable govern the use of common portions and private portions. Many declarations of co-ownership prohibit temporary structures in outdoor parking areas or impose requirements regarding dimensions, colours and periods. Check these documents first.
• Civil Code of Quebec. The syndicate administers the building and may adopt rules for safety and the enjoyment of the premises (see the Civil Code of Quebec, including the provisions concerning the administration of the syndicate and the use of common portions). References:

• LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec (CCQ-1991): https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991

• Municipal regulations. Each city sets its own conditions: the permitted period (often from autumn to spring), clearances, visibility and permit requirements. In a divided co-ownership, some boroughs restrict installation on common land or prohibit shelters in specific sectors. Contact your municipality before spending any money.
• Safety and technical requirements. A poorly anchored shelter can damage vehicles, obscure signage, interfere with snow removal and create hazards. The Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ) reminds us that every structure must be stable and safe; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable standards.

Reminder: the exact expression “abri tempo copropriete quebec” often appears in internal regulations. If your syndicate leaves room for interpretation, clarify the policy through a formal resolution.

Useful sources:

• LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec (administration of the syndicate, use of common portions): https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991
• RBQ – Home page and safety best practices: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/
• RGCQ – Co-ownership resources and governance: https://rgcq.org/

Required votes and decision-making process

Everything depends on the nature of the decision and the portion concerned:

• General rule or use policy (e.g., permitted periods, dimensions, colours): usually adopted at the annual general meeting by amending or clarifying the by-laws of the immovable. The board of directors may make a proposal, but the meeting decides.
• One-time authorization (e.g., allowing a shelter in a specific parking space for one season): often falls under the board of directors’ authority if it has the power to temporarily authorize the use of a common portion, subject to the declaration of co-ownership and the rules adopted by the co-owners.
• Major change affecting the destination of the building, the allocation of rights or an alteration to common portions: this may require the qualified majorities provided for in the Civil Code of Quebec. If any doubt remains, have the matter reviewed by a legal professional and consult the meeting.

Recommended steps for adopting a clear policy:

1. Document review. The board of directors identifies the clauses in the declaration of co-ownership and the by-laws of the immovable concerning temporary structures and parking.
2. Municipal consultation. Confirm the conditions and permits required by the city.
3. Drafting the policy. Include periods, dimensions, location, safety, insurance and graduated sanctions.
4. Notice of meeting for the annual general meeting. Put the item on the agenda and attach the draft policy and statement of reasons.
5. Vote at the annual general meeting. Apply the majority required based on the nature of the amendment (by-laws of the immovable versus ordinary decision). Record the result in the minutes.
6. Communication and follow-up. Distribute a reminder to co-owners and post the seasonal deadlines.

You can draw on the best practices published by the RGCQ and rely on the principles of the Civil Code of Quebec.

Examples of clauses to include

• Permitted period (season start and end dates), with a mandatory removal requirement.
• Dimensions, a neutral colour, materials and minimum transparency near intersections.
• Exact location and clearances for exits, fire hydrants and service lanes.
• Anchoring, guying, wind resistance and mandatory snow removal.
• Responsibilities: damage to common portions, signage, lighting and meltwater.
• Insurance: proof of liability insurance if required.
• Authorization process: form, photographs, timeline and written approval.

Responsibilities, safety and technical compliance

A temporary shelter affects both use and safety. To limit the risks:

• Keep access routes clear. Never block exits, access to electrical panels, fire hydrants, roof vents or hatches. Leave a corridor for emergency vehicles and snow removal.
• Anchoring and maintenance. Install the shelter according to the manufacturer’s instructions; add anchors if the ground requires them. Remove snow from the shelter roof to prevent collapse and clear ice from the ground to prevent falls.
• Insurance and liability. A poorly secured shelter that damages a neighbouring vehicle or a façade may result in liability for the co-owner who installed it. Check your insurance policy. The syndicate may claim the costs of restoring common portions.
• Contractors and compliance. If you hire an installer, choose a suitable company and request proof of insurance. Refer to the safety principles of the RBQ.

In Montreal and on the South Shore, several municipalities strictly regulate temporary shelters. Failing to obtain a permit or comply with clearance requirements may result in a municipal fine, in addition to an internal fine provided for in the by-laws of the immovable.

For implementation and administrative follow-up, see our administrative management service and an overview of our packages.

Fines, sanctions and managing non-compliance

The by-laws of the immovable may provide for a graduated sanctions regime for non-compliance: written warning, fine, suspension of an authorization and then legal proceedings. The objective remains compliance, not punishment.

Best practices for enforcement:

• Clarity and proportionality. Amounts and deadlines must be reasonable and announced in advance.
• Evidence and traceability. Document matters with dated photographs, warning letters and board of directors’ decisions recorded in the minutes.
• Right to be heard. Give the co-owner an opportunity to explain or correct the situation within a specified period.
• Demand letter. In the event of continued refusal, a demand letter may precede legal proceedings. Refer to the specific clauses of the declaration of co-ownership and the by-laws.

The Civil Code of Quebec allows the syndicate to take the measures necessary to ensure the peaceful enjoyment and preservation of the building, within the framework of decisions authorized by the meeting or the board of directors. For procedural and voting details, consult the Civil Code of Quebec and, if necessary, a legal professional.

Common situations and best practices

• Exclusive parking space. If the shelter extends into a common lane, authorization becomes more complex. Require a plan with measurements and keep sightlines clear.
• Visitors and deliveries. Keep access to visitor spaces, rolling bins and loading zones clear. Plan snow removal to prevent accumulation near drains.
• Accessibility and fire safety. Maintain clearance around exits and fire safety cabinets. No open flames or heating appliances in the shelter.
• Appearance and neighbours. Choose subdued colours, maintain the shelter regularly and align shelters to preserve visual harmony.

Who decides what? (summary)

Also refer to the resources of the RGCQ and the RBQ for safety matters.

Quick FAQ

• Can a tenant install an Abri Tempo? Yes, if the lease and the syndicate’s policy permit it. The co-owner who is the landlord remains responsible to the divided co-ownership for the tenant’s breaches.
• Is a municipal permit always required? Often yes, depending on the city and the period. Without a permit, you risk a municipal fine, even if the divided co-ownership has authorized the shelter.
• What can you do if the board of directors refuses arbitrarily? Ask for written reasons, propose corrective measures and, if necessary, have the matter placed on the agenda of the annual general meeting. You can also consult a legal professional to assess your options.

For more information on organizing meetings and following up on resolutions, visit our blog and learn how multiRent structures votes and minutes as part of its mandates.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or notary regarding your situation.

This article provides general information and does not replace advice from a tax specialist or accountant. Refer to Revenu Québec and the CRA for the exact rules.

Do you manage a divided co-ownership in Quebec? Explore our packages or contact us to assess your needs.