Quebec condo meeting quorum and decision rules

In a divided co-ownership, the annual general meeting (AGM) is when co-owners make key decisions about the budget, election of the board of directors, work and by-laws. However, not every matter requires the same quorum or majority. Understanding these rules helps prevent challenges and speeds up your procedures.

This article summarizes, in plain language, the main quorums and majorities provided for by the Civil Code of Quebec (C.C.Q.) and the declaration of co-ownership (DCC), with practical examples adapted to syndicates in the Greater Montreal area.

Updated as of 2026-05-15.

• Useful references: Civil Code of Quebec (C.C.Q.), RGCQ — resources, OACIQ — Declaration of Co-ownership

Quorum: who counts and what to do when there is an absence

Quorum is the minimum participation threshold required to open the meeting and deliberate. In a co-ownership, quorum is calculated in votes (relative value/fractions) of the co-owners present or represented.

• Usually, the initial quorum is a majority of the votes of all co-owners, present or represented by proxy. Your DCC may specify the exact formula.
• If quorum is not reached, the meeting is adjourned and reconvened. On the second notice, the co-owners present or represented often constitute quorum, except for decisions requiring a higher majority. Check your DCC and the relevant articles of the C.C.Q. (see the articles on meetings of co-owners).
• Proxies (mandates) must be written, identifiable and compliant with the requirements of your DCC. Keep them on file for the minutes.
• Meetings held by videoconference are possible if the DCC permits it and if participant identification and vote counting are secure.

For a refresher on the legal concepts, consult the C.C.Q. — divided co-ownership and the RGCQ guides.

Types of majorities at an AGM (Quebec)

Depending on the importance of the decision, the law and your DCC require different thresholds. The following are the most common categories, for information purposes.

• Simple majority (also called a relative majority): more than 50% of the votes cast by co-owners present or represented. Typical for adopting the minutes, approving the agenda, electing or removing directors, and approving the financial statements and annual common expenses budget.
• Absolute majority of the votes of all co-owners: more than 50% of all votes attached to all private portions (not only those of the co-owners present). Often required to adopt or amend certain rules of the immovable provided for in the DCC (by-laws of the immovable), when the DCC or the C.C.Q. requires it.
• Double majority: a combined threshold requiring both a percentage of the votes of all co-owners and a percentage of co-owners “by number” (heads). This applies to certain structural decisions, such as non-urgent improvement work on common portions or the alienation of certain common portions — subject to the relevant articles of the C.C.Q. and the DCC.
• Unanimity: the agreement of all co-owners, generally for a change in the designation of the immovable or major infringements of private rights. This requirement arises from the C.C.Q. provisions concerning the designation and integrity of the co-ownership.

Important: the DCC may provide for additional requirements, but it cannot lower a minimum threshold established by law. Refer to the C.C.Q. articles on meetings and co-owner decisions, particularly around articles 1096 to 1102 (official numbering to be verified on LégisQuébec).

Who has the right to vote and how votes are weighted

• Right to vote: the co-owner of a private portion or their mandatary votes. If the same condo is co-owned by several people, they exercise the votes attached to the fraction jointly (or appoint one of them to act on their behalf).
• Weighting (fractions): each private portion has a relative value set out in the DCC. Votes are generally proportional to that value, except in specific cases provided for by the C.C.Q. or the DCC.
• Meeting chair and secretary: the meeting usually appoints a chair and a secretary. Their role is crucial for validating quorum, the agenda, vote counting and the signing of the minutes.
• Conflicts of interest: a director with a conflict concerning an item may have to abstain from voting at the meeting or on the board of directors, depending on the circumstances and applicable rules (see the C.C.Q.).

For compliant management (notices of meeting, agendas, minutes follow-up and attestations), see our administrative management services and our services page.

Examples of decisions and usual thresholds (to be verified in your DCC)

The table below summarizes common cases for information purposes. The exact references depend on your DCC and the relevant articles of the C.C.Q. Avoid lowering a threshold through internal by-laws.

Practical tip: when a double majority is required, keep two separate tallies in the minutes — one by vote (relative value) and one “by heads” — and record the results separately. In the event of a secret ballot, keep the tally sheet in a sealed envelope during the period for challenging the decision provided for by law.

Best practices for uncontestable votes

• Clear notice of meeting: indicate the quorum, the type of majority required for each item, and attach the documents (financial statements, budget, work estimates and draft by-law). A compliant notice reduces adjournments.
• Precise agenda: word resolutions so they can be implemented. For example: “Authorize improvement work X, maximum budget Y, financing Z.”
• Attendance sheet and proxy verification: count the votes (fractions) and the number of co-owners. Display the quorum reached at the beginning of the meeting.
• Transparent vote counting: for sensitive decisions, favour a secret ballot and appoint two scrutineers.
• Preparation of the minutes: record the voting results (“for,” “against” and “abstention” votes), the type of majority reached, and the references (C.C.Q./DCC). Distribute the minutes within the deadlines set out in the DCC.

To equip yourself, browse our blog and our operations management services for logistical support with AGMs.

FAQ — Quorum and majorities at meetings

What happens if quorum is not reached?

The meeting is adjourned and reconvened in accordance with the requirements of the DCC. On the second notice, the co-owners present or represented can often constitute quorum, except when the decision requires a higher threshold under the C.C.Q. or the DCC. Check your adjournment provisions.

Can you vote by proxy or remotely?

Yes, a written proxy is permitted if it complies with the law and the DCC. Remote voting (videoconference, platform) is possible if the DCC authorizes it and the identity of voters and confidentiality are protected. Consult the C.C.Q. and adapt your procedure.

How do you calculate a double majority?

You must satisfy two conditions simultaneously: a minimum percentage of the votes of all co-owners (fractions) and a minimum percentage by number of co-owners. The C.C.Q. specifies the applicable cases and thresholds; your DCC may explain the calculation method. Record both results in the minutes.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For your situation, consult a lawyer or notary.

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