Buying a Condo: What to Check Under Bill 16

Buying a condo in a divided co-ownership involves more than visiting the unit and checking its location. Since Bill 16, the syndicate has been subject to several obligations that directly affect your condo fees, the maintenance of the common portions and the property’s long-term value. Wondering “buying condo bill 16 what to check”? Here is a clear, up-to-date checklist to reduce your risks before signing your offer.

At the time of writing (updated as of 2026-07-03), Bill 16 strengthens work planning, contingency fund financing and the maintenance logbook (EUC). As a prospective co-owner, confirm the syndicate’s compliance and financial health to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Bill 16 in brief: what it changes for you

Bill 16 modernized Quebec’s co-ownership framework by amending the Civil Code of Quebec (C.C.Q.). Without getting into the technical details, keep in mind that:

• The syndicate must maintain a maintenance logbook (EUC) describing all components of the common portions, their condition and the planned maintenance.
• A contingency fund study (EFP) based on a physical analysis of the building is required to plan assessments and major work.
• Tighter governance is expected: better information for co-owners, decisions documented in the annual general meeting minutes and transparency from the board of directors.

Useful references:

• LégisQuébec – Divided co-ownership under the C.C.Q. (general rules and the syndicate’s obligations): Civil Code of Quebec
• RGCQ – Co-ownership articles and best practices: Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec

Documents to request before buying

Before submitting a promise to purchase, request a complete file. Your broker and notary can help you review it.

• Declaration of co-ownership and by-laws of the immovable: rights and obligations, and rules governing the use of the common portions and private portions.
• Most recent audited or reviewed financial statements, current budget and common expenses (condo fees) projections. Compare the assessments with the actual needs.
• Contingency fund study (EFP) and most recent updates. Check the methodology, analysis period and inflation assumptions.
• Maintenance logbook (EUC): list of assets (roof, façades, parking, elevators and mechanical systems), maintenance plan and schedule of work.
• Minutes of the three most recent annual general meetings and special meetings: matters discussed, votes, mandates given to the board of directors, and decisions concerning work and special assessments.
• Syndicate insurance certificate: coverage, limits and deductibles. Also request the history of recent claims.
• Register of notices of default, ongoing litigation, alleged construction defects and claims.
• Inspection and engineering reports (e.g., water-tightness verification and façade inspection) and certificates of compliance.

For a reminder of the general checks to make when buying a condo, consult the OACIQ: Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec.

To understand how a condominium manager supports the board of directors in collecting and maintaining these documents, see our administrative management services and our blog.

Contingency fund: a critical review of the study

The contingency fund is used to finance major repairs and the replacement of components of the common portions. Bill 16 requires it to be funded based on the building’s actual condition.

Indicators to review

• Projected coverage: with the planned assessments, will the fund cover the work identified over 25 to 30 years?
• Balance per unit and the “balance/replacement value” ratio for major assets (roof, building envelope and parking).
• Work schedule: alignment between spending peaks and planned assessment increases.
• Economic and technical assumptions: inflation, cost indexing and a realistic remaining service life.
• History of special assessments: frequency and amounts; a sign of chronic underfunding.

Warning signs

• A study that is too old or has never been completed, or that is based on partial data.
• Significant gaps between the study’s recommendations and the budget approved at the annual general meeting.
• Major work identified in the short term without a clear financing plan.

Legal reference concerning the obligation to maintain an adequate contingency fund (see, in particular, the co-ownership section of the C.C.Q., including section 1071 C.C.Q.): LégisQuébec – C.C.Q.

Our financial management services help syndicates budget according to the study and clearly communicate the impact on assessments.

Maintenance logbook (EUC) and major work

The maintenance logbook is the technical memory of the co-ownership. It records the components of the common portions, their condition, required maintenance and completed work.

What to confirm:

• Complete asset inventory: structures, building envelope, roof, indoor and outdoor parking, mechanical and electrical systems, elevators, sprinklers, intercom and more.
• Preventive maintenance schedule: annual tasks, inspection cycles (e.g., façades) and responsible parties.
• History of work: dates, contractors, warranties and costs.
• Consistency with the EFP: the same time frames and priorities.

In Montreal, certain inspections are governed by technical rules; contact the RBQ for information about maintenance and the obligations applicable to buildings: Regie du batiment du Quebec.

RGCQ also provides useful content on implementing a maintenance logbook: RGCQ.

Syndicate governance: board of directors, annual general meetings and transparency

Good governance reduces risks for buyers.

• Board of directors: composition, experience, director stability, rotation of roles and conflict-of-interest management.
• Annual general meetings and special meetings: participation rate, quorum, compliance with the agenda and votes properly recorded in the minutes.
• Communication: access to documents, distribution of decisions and clear calls for funds.
• Bill 16 compliance: studies completed, scheduled updates and follow-up on recommendations.

You can review the rules governing meetings and the recording of decisions under the C.C.Q. on LégisQuébec: C.C.Q. – Meetings and decisions in co-ownership.

Insurance, claims and technical compliance

Insurance and the claims history affect your costs and the asset’s long-term viability.

• Syndicate insurance policy: coverage for the common portions, insured amounts, exclusions and deductibles.
• Claims from recent years: frequency, causes (water, infiltration and fire) and corrective work carried out.
• Compliance of the work: licensed contractors and receipts; check with the RBQ as needed.
• Coordination with individual insurance: adjustments required for your unit (leasehold improvements, contents and civil liability).

For an overview of our services for syndicates in the Greater Montreal area, visit multiRent – Condominium Management in Montreal.

Quick FAQ

• Does Bill 16 require an inspection of my unit? No. It mainly concerns the syndicate’s planning and financing of work on the common portions. You can nevertheless have your unit inspected as a preventive measure.
• What should I do if the EFP does not yet exist? Request a written commitment from the board of directors regarding the completion schedule and take the risk of a short-term special assessment into account.
• How can I tell whether condo fees are realistic? Compare the budget and common expenses history with the recommendations in the EFP and maintenance logbook. If the assessments are below what is needed, expect an increase or a special assessment.

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

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