Quebec Co-ownership Grease Interceptor Obligations

In a divided co-ownership with mixed uses, having a restaurant or commercial kitchen often requires a grease interceptor. This device protects the plumbing from blockages and helps limit sewer backups. For a syndicate, ensuring compliance and maintenance is not just a best practice; it is a management responsibility involving safety, sanitation and common expenses.

This article summarizes your obligations in Quebec, the applicable standards and the practical steps for the board of directors (board). The content is current as of 2026-08-04.

Grease interceptor: purpose, location and who is covered in a mixed-use building

A grease interceptor captures grease and oil before they reach the sewer pipes. It connects to commercial kitchen equipment (sinks, suitable dishwashers and kitchen floors) and is generally located in the commercial tenant’s premises or in an authorized technical space.

In a mixed-use co-ownership, commercial units used for food service or food processing are the primary ones covered. Residential co-owners who do not operate a commercial kitchen are generally not required to install one. However, common vertical and horizontal drainage pipes may be affected by grease if the interceptor is absent, undersized or poorly maintained.

Under the declaration of co-ownership (DCV), the device may be located in a private portion (commercial premises) or, more rarely, in a technical common portion. This distinction determines access, routine maintenance, repairs and the allocation of costs.

Legal and regulatory framework in Quebec

• Duty to preserve and maintain the building. The syndicate must ensure the preservation, maintenance and administration of the common portions, including preventing damage resulting from an inadequate drainage system (see section 1039 of the Civil Code of Quebec, LégisQuébec).
• Allocation of expenses. Co-owners contribute to common expenses according to the procedures set out in the DCV, which sometimes includes expenses related to the particular use of a commercial unit (see section 1064 of the Civil Code of Quebec, LégisQuébec).
• Construction Code, Chapter III – Plumbing. Installations must comply with the Plumbing chapter of the Quebec Construction Code and the referenced standards. The sizing, installation and discharge of greasy wastewater must comply with the requirements and be carried out by a contractor holding the appropriate Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ) licence.
• Technical standards. Grease interceptors are designed and assessed according to recognized industry standards; the plumbing contractor must propose a model and capacity suited to the flow rate and type of operation.
• Municipal by-laws. Several municipalities impose additional requirements, such as pumping frequencies and record keeping. The board should confirm the applicable requirements with the municipality concerned in addition to the provincial requirements.

Useful resources:

• LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec, sections 1039 and 1064 (syndicate obligations and common expenses)
• RBQ – Quebec Construction Code, Chapter III, Plumbing
• RBQ – Verify a contractor’s licence
• RGCQ – Best management practices for co-ownerships

Links:

• https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/
• https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/
• https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/licences-et-certificats/trouver-un-entrepreneur/
• https://rgcq.org/

Who pays what? Syndicate, commercial co-owner and allocation rules

Carefully reviewing the DCV and architectural plans is essential to establish responsibilities. Generally:

• Device in a private portion. The commercial co-owner assumes responsibility for installation, maintenance, pumping and repairs. The syndicate must nevertheless ensure that the work does not endanger the common portions or cause nuisances.
• Device in a common portion. The syndicate schedules maintenance, pumping and repairs, then recharges, where applicable, usage-related expenses to the beneficiary co-owner(s), according to the DCV and/or a by-law of the immovable.
• Common pipes blocked by grease. The costs of clearing and cleaning common sections are common expenses, subject to recourse against the co-owner at fault if the evidence establishes it.

The board may adopt a by-law of the immovable governing minimum pumping frequencies, the obligation to keep a maintenance log, access for inspections and penalties for non-compliance. Have this by-law approved at the annual general meeting and archive the minutes.

Typical scenarios and allocation of expenses

• Restaurant with an interceptor in private premises. The commercial co-owner pays for installation, pumping and maintenance. The syndicate requires proof and intervenes only with respect to the common portions.
• Common interceptor serving several premises. The syndicate manages the maintenance contract and allocates the costs according to a usage measure (e.g., floor areas, equipment or flow rates) set out in the by-law or a signed agreement.
• Backup in a common stack. The syndicate pays for the emergency response; if an expert establishes that a unit’s maintenance failure caused it, the syndicate may claim the damages and the excess costs.

Maintenance, inspections and records: your essentials

An ineffective grease interceptor causes odours, blockages and sewer backups. The board should require and retain:

• A maintenance log. Pumping dates, volumes removed, contractor’s name, work orders and receipts. Add these items to the maintenance logbook/EUC.
• A documented pumping frequency. This should be based on the device’s capacity, menu, volume of business and, where applicable, municipal regulations. In practice, the frequency ranges from every few weeks to every few months.
• Periodic inspections. Check covers, seals and baffles, confirm that there are no illegal bypasses and assess the condition of access chambers. Include these checks in the annual preventive maintenance plan.
• An emergency procedure. Who to call, how to isolate the affected section, access to technical keys, notices to occupants and the insurer.

Record decisions in the board minutes and provide a brief report at the annual general meeting. Include a budget line in the annual budget and, if necessary, plan contributions through common expenses/condo fees. Recurring maintenance costs do not come from the contingency fund; they are instead operating expenses.

To structure these areas, see our operational and administrative management services:

• Services – Operations management
• Services – Administrative management

Risk management: backups, odours and claims

A poorly managed interceptor creates significant risks:

• Health and environmental. Pouring grease into the network causes blockages and may lead to local fines.
• Building. Common stacks become coated with grease, causing backups and water damage. Repairs become costly and disrupt occupants.
• Insurance. Your insurer may request proof of maintenance. Without it, a claim could be challenged.
• Neighbour relations. Persistent odours, nuisances and complaints increase pressure on the board.

Reduce these risks with a written agreement granting access to the commercial premises, a pumping schedule, records retained in the log and clear communication with co-owners.

Bringing the system into compliance: action plan for your board

1. Map the networks. Locate the devices and stacks serving the commercial kitchens. Check the original plans and any modifications.

2. Confirm compliance. Retain a licensed RBQ master plumber to assess sizing, connections and ventilation. Request a written report with photos.

3. Standardize maintenance. Establish a minimum pumping frequency, a mandatory log and proof-of-service forms. Add everything to the maintenance logbook/EUC.

4. Establish rules through a by-law. Adopt a by-law of the immovable specifying access, frequency, penalties and the recharging of usage-related expenses. Submit it to the annual general meeting.

5. Plan the budget. Include maintenance contracts in common operating expenses and, where there is particular use, apply the allocation set out in the DCV. Adjust common expenses/condo fees accordingly.

6. Train and communicate. Inform commercial co-owners of the technical and administrative requirements. Post a memo in the technical areas and send a reminder before each pumping period.

7. Monitor and improve. Review the following indicators annually: number of incidents, odour complaints, cleaning costs and compliance with proof-of-service requirements.

For regulatory and technical guidance, consult:

• RBQ – Plumbing, Quebec Construction Code, Chapter III
• LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec (sections 1039 and 1064)
• RGCQ – Resources for syndicates

To explore other co-ownership topics, visit the multiRent blog: https://www.multirent.ca/blogue/

FAQ

Q1. Is an interceptor required if the business prepares food without a deep fryer?

In most cases, any commercial kitchen that discharges greasy wastewater must have a compliant interceptor. The requirements arise from the Construction Code, Plumbing chapter, and often from municipal by-laws. Confirm the equipment type and capacity with a licensed RBQ contractor.

Q2. Who pays for pumping and maintenance?

If the device is in a private portion, the commercial unit’s co-owner generally assumes the costs. If it is in a common portion, the syndicate pays and may recharge the costs according to the DCV or a by-law of the immovable. Contributions to common expenses must comply with the allocation method provided for (see section 1064 of the Civil Code of Quebec).

Q3. What should you do if grease causes a backup?

Stop the activity creating the risk, restrict access, call a licensed RBQ plumbing contractor and document the work. Notify the insurer and report the incident to the board, then to the annual general meeting if necessary. You can verify the contractor’s licence here: https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/licences-et-certificats/trouver-un-entrepreneur/

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.

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