Bill 25 and Divided Co-ownership: Privacy Incidents
02/06/2026Death of a Co-owner in a Quebec Co-ownership
02/06/2026Quebec Condo Energy-Efficiency Grants in 2026
Looking for grants to finance energy-efficiency improvements in your divided co-ownership? In 2026, several sources of financial assistance may support work in condos across the Greater Montreal area and elsewhere in Quebec. Understanding them properly can help you move your projects forward without unnecessarily increasing common expenses.
Freshness note: current as of 2026-06-02.
This article demystifies “Quebec condo energy-efficiency grants,” explains common criteria, the application process and how to align funding with your budget, contingency fund and annual general meeting decisions. You will also find useful references for the syndicate’s compliance and governance.
The 2026 landscape of assistance programs for divided co-ownerships
Programs change regularly. They generally include:
- Provincial grants focused on reducing energy consumption in multi-unit residential buildings.
- Utility offers (e.g., energy-efficiency programs related to electricity or gas) targeting lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and smart building management.
- Sometimes, municipal assistance targeting the built environment, electrification (charging stations) or water.
- Occasionally, federal or complementary measures, depending on public budgets and calls for projects.
Key points to remember:
- Most programs require an application before work begins, as well as an audit or an energy-savings calculation.
- Work that has already begun is often ineligible.
- Grants generally cover part of the cost; the balance comes from the operating budget, special assessments or the contingency fund, depending on the nature of the work and the declaration of co-ownership (DCV).
For your general obligations (condo fees, contingency fund, board of directors and annual general meeting decisions), refer to the Civil Code of Quebec, particularly the provisions on common expenses and planning for major replacements (see the relevant sections on LégisQuébec). Source: LégisQuébec — Civil Code of Quebec (C.c.Q.) (https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991).
Common types of energy-efficiency grants
Several categories of work in the common portions of a divided co-ownership building may be eligible.
- Energy studies and audits: assessments, modelling and prioritization of measures (often partially reimbursed).
- Building envelope: roof and wall insulation, replacement of windows and doors in the common portions, weatherproofing and reduced air infiltration.
- Mechanical systems: boiler conversions, installation of central heat pumps, heat recovery (HRV/ERV), ventilation controls and balancing, and optimization of hydronic loops.
- Lighting: LED conversion in the common portions, sensor controls and dimming.
- Smart management: building management systems (BMS), sensors and optimization sequences.
- Water and plumbing: flow restrictors for common spaces and hot-water temperature management.
- Electrification and mobility: electrical preparation and charging stations in parking areas (coordination is required between common portions and private portions, depending on the DCV).
Practical tips:
- Target bundled measures: for example, envelope + mechanical systems + controls, to maximize savings and program points.
- Keep impeccable records: before-and-after photos, invoices, technical data sheets, commissioning records and fine-tuning reports.
Eligible work: common criteria and pitfalls to avoid
Each program has its own rules, but these requirements are common:
- Demonstrated minimum energy savings, calculated by a professional (engineer or energy adviser) using the building’s consumption data.
- Pre-approval requirement: do not sign the contract or begin work before receiving official approval.
- Contractors holding the appropriate RBQ licences and valid insurance coverage.
- Approved equipment (e.g., equipment meeting recognized efficiency standards) and documented commissioning.
- Eligibility focused on the common portions; work in private portions may require additional coordination and separate authorizations.
Common pitfalls:
- Starting work before the application is accepted.
- Forgetting to incorporate the project into the maintenance logbook (EUC) and the contingency fund expenditure plan.
- Choosing equipment that does not meet the required thresholds.
- Overlooking proof of occupancy, multi-unit building classification or the requested consumption records.
Useful resources:
- Contractor verification and compliance rules: RBQ (https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/), particularly licence requirements.
- Good management practices for divided co-ownerships: RGCQ (https://rgcq.org/).
Application process: from idea to payment
The key to success is a clear sequence linking governance, technical work and administration.
1) Governance and authorizations
- Board of directors mandate: for maintenance or replacement work planned in the maintenance logbook (EUC), the board of directors can often proceed, depending on the DCV and the amounts involved.
- Annual general meeting and resolution: for improvements or work that significantly increases the value of or changes the configuration of the common portions, confirm the applicable voting thresholds under the DCV and the Civil Code of Quebec. Document everything in the minutes.
- Reference: Civil Code of Quebec — provisions on expenses, improvements and co-owner decisions (LégisQuébec: https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991).
2) Technical analysis and maintenance logbook
- Update the maintenance logbook study (EUC) to incorporate the targeted energy-efficiency measures and their schedule.
- Order an energy audit and savings estimate. Rank the measures by return on investment and asset-maintenance priorities.
- Ensure consistency with the contingency fund financing plan.
3) Preparing the grant application
- Gather: the DCV, the latest annual general meeting and board of directors minutes, technical descriptions, plans/specifications, quotes from RBQ-licensed contractors, technical data sheets and proof of consumption.
- Follow the forms and deadlines for the selected program. Several require a letter of intent, signed calculations and an agreement before any purchase.
4) Execution, verification and reporting
- Monitor installation quality and commissioning. Take photos and retain the certificates.
- Submit the final reports, invoices and proof of savings. Payment is often conditional on this verification.
Need structure and tools? See our financial and administrative management services for syndicates: multiRent — Services and multiRent — Services.
Financing, tax and allocation: aligning grants properly
Grant or no grant, you need a robust and compliant financial plan.
- Contingency fund: it is used for major repairs and replacements of the common portions. Some energy-efficiency measures naturally align with replacements (e.g., roofing + insulation). Reference: Civil Code of Quebec principles on common expenses and planning (LégisQuébec: https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/fr/document/lc/CCQ-1991).
- Operating budget: for minor optimizations (e.g., adjustments or small lighting measures), the current budget may be sufficient.
- Special assessment: if the grant covers only part of the cost and the fund is not adequately funded, a special assessment may be considered, provided the DCV and the notice-of-meeting and decision-making rules are respected.
Tax and sales tax considerations:
- Taxes: GST/QST generally apply to the work. Confirm eligibility for any rebate or special treatment with Revenu Quebec (Tax credits — Revenu Quebec: https://www.revenuquebec.ca/fr/citoyens/credits-dimpot/).
- Accounting: distinguish maintenance expenses from capital assets. The presentation in the syndicate’s financial statements must reflect the nature of the work and the impact of grants received.
- Transparency: inform co-owners of the net effect on condo fees and on the targets in the reinvestment plan.
Tip: Publish a summary in the board of directors’ minutes and present a clear progress report at the annual general meeting. This makes the project easier for the community to accept.
Compliance, tendering and work quality
Energy efficiency is still a construction project; compliance is non-negotiable.
- Contractors: verify the RBQ licence, insurance coverage and experience with multi-unit buildings. Source: RBQ — Choosing a Contractor (https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/).
- Specifications and tendering: compare detailed quotes (products, performance, warranties, commissioning, schedule and exclusions). Ask for references.
- Coordination between common portions and private portions: installing charging stations, thermostats or equipment in units often requires a clear agreement with co-owners and a framework under the by-laws of the immovable.
- Documentation: retain all manuals, warranties and reports. Update the maintenance logbook and your preventive maintenance plan.
For governance guidelines and good practices, consult the RGCQ (https://rgcq.org/). Also visit the multiRent blog for more practical guides: Blog.
FAQ — Grants and divided co-ownerships in Quebec
Q1. Can work inside units be subsidized?
Programs often target the common portions. Some measures for private portions may be available, but they require close coordination and authorizations under the DCV. Always confirm the program’s eligibility requirements and the applicable decision-making framework (board of directors/annual general meeting).
Q2. Can several grants be combined?
Combining grants is sometimes permitted and sometimes subject to a cap. Several programs require disclosure of any other assistance received. Read the rules carefully and obtain written confirmation before proceeding.
Q3. What are the typical timelines?
From the audit through pre-approval, execution and payment, allow several months. Timelines vary depending on the project’s complexity, the maintenance logbook, tendering periods and program resources.
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 professional or accountant. Refer to Revenu Quebec and the CRA for the exact rules.
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