Bill 14 and Quebec co-ownership: your language obligations

The language reform known as Bill 14 (the reform of the Charter of the French Language) strengthens the use of French in civic and commercial life in Quebec. For a divided co-ownership, this directly affects the syndicate’s communications, contracts, signage in the common portions and, in some cases, employee management. This article summarizes what the board of directors (board) must do to comply without making its operations more cumbersome.

Before going any further, remember two key principles: French is the default language for communications and documents intended for the public, and contracts of adhesion must first be provided in French before any other language can be chosen (see the Charter of the French Language and the Civil Code of Quebec for the concept of a contract of adhesion).

1) Bill 14 in brief: who is affected in a divided co-ownership?

Bill 14 modernizes the Charter of the French Language (C-11). A syndicate of co-ownership is a legal person that provides services to its co-owners and deals with suppliers. As such, it must:

• communicate in French with co-owners, tenants, visitors and the public;
• use French on its website, forms, notices and policies made public;
• ensure that signage in the building complies with the requirement that French predominate;
• ensure that contracts of adhesion provided by third parties are first offered in French;
• comply, if it employs staff, with workplace French-language rules (documents, job postings and tools).

For the relevant legislation, consult the consolidated Charter on LégisQuébec and the definition of “contract of adhesion” in the Civil Code of Quebec (s. 1379 C.C.Q.).

• Charter of the French Language (C-11)
• Civil Code of Quebec (contract of adhesion, s. 1379)

2) Syndicate communications and governance: French by default

Governance documents and management information that concern all co-owners must be issued in French. You may offer an English version, but the French version remains the reference version and must be available by default.

Notices of meeting, AGMs and minutes

• Notice of an annual general meeting and meeting notices: issue them in French, with a complete agenda. Add an English version as needed.
• Minutes: publish and archive them in French. If you circulate a bilingual summary, make sure French is not less visible.
• Reference documents: the by-laws of the immovable, declaration of co-ownership, policies (e.g., noise, pets, renovations, intercom and Airbnb-style rentals) should exist in French and be distributed in that language.

Budgets, assessments and financial information

• Annual budget, financial statements and notices of assessments (condo fees, common expenses): communicate them in French to ensure that financial obligations are understood.
• Contingency fund and maintenance logbook (EUC): summaries, disbursement plans and work priorities must be provided in French to facilitate planning and voting.

Practical tip: standardize your templates (notices, emails and letters) in French and add a bilingual option. A management portal with a French interface makes compliance and archiving easier. See our administrative support and compliance services: https://www.multirent.ca/services/#gestion-administrative

3) Contracts and suppliers: adhesion must begin in French

Many contracts used by a syndicate are contracts of adhesion within the meaning of the Civil Code (non-negotiable terms proposed by the other party): cleaning, elevator, security, snow removal, software and telecommunications.

• Contract of adhesion: the Charter requires that the French version be presented first. The parties may then choose another language, but only after the French version has been provided and understood (see the Charter, C-11, and s. 1379 C.C.Q.).
• Quotes and calls for tenders: publish them in French and ask contractors to clearly indicate the key clauses in French (term, renewal, penalties and warranties).
• Guides and manuals: for essential systems (pool, boiler and intercom), require operating documentation in French for staff and volunteers.
• Licensed contractors: check Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ) compliance and specify the language of communication in the contract.

Useful resources:

• Charter of the French Language (C-11)
• RBQ – information for consumers and about contractors

4) Signage and documents in the building: French must predominate

In the common portions, signage must be in French. Another language may be added, provided that French remains clearly predominant (in size, visibility and frequency).

• Signage and safety: emergency exits, evacuation instructions and prohibitions (e.g., pool and parking) must be in French. Add English if your building requires it, but keep French more visible.
• Temporary notices: work, water shutoffs, elevator breakdowns, damage and insurance — post and email them in French first.
• By-laws of the immovable and policies: display an official French version near the information board and on your website or portal.
• Website and newsletters: if you share information with the public (e.g., a rental page for a common room), make sure a complete French version exists and is easy to find.

RGCQ publishes useful governance and communication best practices for boards of directors: https://rgcq.org/

5) Employment, technology and francization: what the board must know

If the syndicate employs staff (concierge, management or security guards), several rules apply:

• Work documents: employment contracts, HR policies, occupational health and safety documents and internal forms in French.
• Tools and software: provide French interfaces when they exist, or justify the need for a unilingual tool in a particular context.
• Job postings: offers must be published in French at least as visibly as any version in another language.
• Francization: businesses with 25 employees or more are subject to formal francization obligations. Current as of 2026-07-02.

For the sale of a condo, documents provided by the syndicate (syndicate certificate, financial statements, recent minutes and by-laws of the immovable) should be available in French to support brokers and notaries. OACIQ reminds us that brokerage forms are available in French and must be accessible to consumers: https://www.oaciq.com/

A simple action plan for your board (checklist)

• Take inventory of your templates and communications: notices of annual general meetings, minutes, budgets, notices of assessments and policies.
• Standardize French templates and plan for an English translation as needed.
• Require suppliers to provide a French version of contracts of adhesion and manuals.
• Check signage in the common portions: safety, rules and temporary announcements.
• Ensure that the declaration of co-ownership, by-laws of the immovable and policies are accessible in French.
• Document the working language if you have employees and provide tools in French.
• Update the website or portal to offer a complete French-language experience.

Need a methodical hand? See our guides and articles on condo governance: https://www.multirent.ca/blogue/

Risks of non-compliance

• Complaints and administrative investigations under the Charter.
• Delays or misunderstandings during meetings and votes.
• Disputes over the interpretation of a contract of adhesion if the French version was not provided.
• Damage to the syndicate’s reputation and lower co-owner engagement.

To reduce these risks, a clear process, well-structured templates and minimal regulatory monitoring are often enough. If you would like to outsource certain steps (templates, mailings and archiving), explore our services: https://www.multirent.ca/services/

FAQ

Q1. Can we hold an annual general meeting entirely in English if all co-owners seem to agree?

A. As a precaution, hold the meeting and provide the documents (agenda and minutes) and notices in French. You can offer bilingual facilitation and an English summary, but French must remain the official version and be accessible to everyone.

Q2. Do we have to translate an existing declaration of co-ownership if it is in English?

A. The Charter does not invalidate a legal deed drafted in English. However, because the by-laws of the immovable and declaration of co-ownership govern common and private portions, providing a French version facilitates enforcement and transparency. Consult a notary about the best approach (certified version, update or explanatory summary).

Q3. Do management platforms and portals have to be entirely in French?

A. Content intended for co-owners and the public must be available in French. Choose a provider whose interface and automated communications exist in French, or configure your templates to issue communications in French by default.

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

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