Reasonable Accommodation for EV Chargers in Quebec Co-ownership

The rise of electric vehicles is prompting more and more co-owners to request a charger in their parking space. In a divided co-ownership, these requests involve common portions, electrical safety and the management of common expenses. This is where the idea of “reasonable accommodation” comes in, to reconcile the individual’s interests with those of the syndicate. (Updated as at 2026-08-02.)

In this article, we explain how to assess and establish a framework for reasonable accommodation for an EV charger in Quebec co-ownership. You will find the legal framework, a practical decision-making process, reasonableness criteria, and sample clauses for a clear agreement between the syndicate and the requesting co-owner.

“Reasonable” accommodation for an EV charger: what does it mean?

In a co-ownership, “reasonable accommodation” refers to a decision by the board of directors (board) that allows a regulated alteration or exception when it does not cause serious prejudice to the syndicate or other co-owners. The objective is to authorize the installation of a charger subject to specific conditions, while protecting the common portions and ensuring fairness among co-owners.

This is not automatically an absolute obligation. The board must act in good faith and prudently, assessing the technical, financial and legal impacts. Under the declaration of co-ownership (DCV) and the Civil Code of Quebec (C.C.Q.), certain modifications to the common portions require approval at the annual general meeting or by special resolution. Accommodation must take these rules into account rather than circumventing them.

It should be noted that if a request is related to a ground protected by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (e.g., a disability), the concept of reasonable accommodation has particular legal significance. The syndicate must then demonstrate that it assessed suitable solutions without creating undue hardship.

The Quebec legal framework you need to know

Several statutes and rules govern syndicate decisions regarding charging stations:

• Civil Code of Quebec: governs the common and private portions, the majorities required to authorize certain work, contributions to common expenses and contractual good faith. See the C.C.Q. and its relevant provisions on syndicate decisions, modifications to the common portions and required majorities (e.g., sections 1039, 1063, 1064, 1096–1097 and 1375 C.C.Q.).
• Declaration of co-ownership (DCV) and by-laws of the immovable: specify the permitted uses of the common portions, parking, penetrations, safety and the approvals required for work.
• Electrical standards and safety: the work must be carried out by an electrical contractor holding the appropriate licences and must comply with the codes in force.
• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: if a co-owner’s request is based on a protected ground, the accommodation becomes a requirement that must be seriously assessed, up to the limit of undue hardship.

Useful references:

• Civil Code of Quebec on LégisQuébec
• Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (LégisQuébec)
• RBQ – Electrical work and contractor requirements
• RGCQ – Co-ownership resources and best practices

Typical process: from the co-owner’s request to the syndicate’s decision

Managing a request in an orderly manner avoids conflicts and protects the syndicate against technical, financial and insurance risks. The following process is recommended.

1) Written request

The co-owner submits a detailed request to the board. It must identify the location, type of charger, cable route through the common portions, electrical supply, power and proposed protective measures.

2) Admissibility review

The board verifies compliance with the DCV and the by-laws of the immovable. It examines whether the work affects the common portions, aesthetics, structure or safety. It determines whether a board resolution is sufficient or whether approval at the annual general meeting is required under the DCV or the C.C.Q.

3) Independent technical assessment

A master electrician or engineer assesses the electrical capacity, the need for a sub-meter, protection against overloads and compliance with applicable standards. This step reduces the risks of fire, equipment damage and outages.

4) Financial impacts and cost allocation

The board specifies who will pay for the purchase, installation, energy, maintenance, additional insurance and restoration. As a principle, an installation that benefits only one co-owner should not be charged to the common expenses unless the co-owners collectively decide otherwise.

5) Decision and conditions

The board makes a reasoned decision with technical, insurance and contractual conditions. If an assembly vote is required, the item is placed on the agenda for the annual general meeting, together with a clear summary and the proposed resolution.

6) Written agreement and work

Before work begins, a signed agreement sets out the parties’ responsibilities. The work is performed by qualified and insured contractors and coordinated to minimize impacts on the common portions.

7) Acceptance, minutes and updates

At the end, an inspection confirms compliance. The matter is recorded in the board’s minutes, and the relevant documents are added to the maintenance logbook/EUC. The plans are retained for future work.

Minimum content of an accommodation request

• Description of the charger (power, model and certifications);
• Wiring diagram and route through the common portions;
• Electrical supply point and protective measures;
• Proof of insurance and proposed contractor (licences, RBQ);
• Proposed arrangements for measuring and paying for electricity;
• Commitment to restore the premises upon departure or in the event of default.

Essential clauses in the syndicate–co-owner agreement

• Full payment of private costs by the requesting party, unless the annual general meeting decides otherwise;
• Maintenance, warranties and repairs at the requesting party’s expense;
• Energy metering (certified sub-meter) and periodic reimbursement;
• Access for the syndicate to conduct inspections, emergency maintenance and common work;
• Liability and property damage insurance, with annual proof provided to the syndicate;
• Removal of the installation and restoration at the end of ownership, if required;
• Indemnification of the syndicate in the event of damage or a claim.

How do you determine whether the accommodation is “reasonable”?

An accommodation is reasonable when the impact on collective rights remains limited, manageable and proportionate to the individual benefit. The following criteria help the board make its decision.

• Safety and compliance: the project complies with electrical standards and fire safety rules and reduces risks to occupants.
• Capacity and reversibility: the addition does not compromise the common electrical capacity and can be removed when necessary at no cost to the syndicate.
• Fairness among co-owners: the installation does not provide an unfair advantage in the use of the common portions, particularly with respect to space, cable routes and common infrastructure.
• Costs and common expenses: private expenses are assumed by the requesting party unless a collective project is approved at the annual general meeting. Common expenses are not increased without the co-owners’ consent.
• Consistency with the DCV: the work complies with the by-laws of the immovable, aesthetic requirements and provisions concerning the common and private portions.
• Reasonable alternatives: the board considers solutions such as collective infrastructure, shared charging equipment or smart load management.

In a co-ownership under our management, a syndicate initially refused individual connections because of limited electrical capacity. A study led to a common infrastructure project with load management, which was approved at the annual general meeting. This approach reduced per-unit costs and made future additions easier, while protecting the common portions.

Financing, energy and the role of the contingency fund

Three approaches are common.

• Strictly private installation: the co-owner pays for the purchase, installation, protective equipment, sub-meter and energy. The syndicate imposes safety and maintenance conditions. No expense is charged to the common expenses, except for administrative costs authorized by the DCV.
• Common infrastructure with private chargers: the syndicate finances the conduits, distribution and load management, while co-owners pay for their charger and energy. This option requires a vote and a budget and may be amortized through the common expenses.
• Shared common chargers: the syndicate installs several chargers in common spaces. A usage policy governs access, billing and priority.

The contingency fund is not intended to finance equipment that benefits only one co-owner. However, it may contribute to durable common infrastructure approved by the annual general meeting if this is included in the maintenance logbook/EUC and the long-term plan. Traceability is key: study, decision, minutes, budget update and EUC.

For energy, favour a certified sub-meter or a dedicated meter to avoid disputes over allocation. A fixed fee may be acceptable as a temporary measure if it is periodically reviewed based on actual readings.

Additional resources:

• Revenu Quebec – Tax credits and programs: check which measures apply to residential work or eligible equipment.
• RBQ – Electrical safety and choosing a licensed contractor

Governance: internal policies and the by-laws of the immovable

The board would benefit from adopting a framework policy on chargers, incorporating it into the by-laws of the immovable and ensuring consistency with the DCV. This policy may specify:

• The request process, forms and minimum technical requirements;
• Wiring rules in the common portions and protective standards;
• Methods for measuring and billing electricity;
• Required insurance, access for inspections and restoration requirements;
• Load management, access priorities and any waiting list;
• Documentation to be retained in the maintenance logbook/EUC and reporting to the annual general meeting.

A well-written policy reduces case-by-case decisions and strengthens fairness. The board should also publish a practical guide on the co-owner intranet and mention in the notice of meeting for the annual general meeting any charging-station matter requiring a vote.

To structure your administrative and operational processes, see our services:

• Administrative co-ownership management: multiRent – Services (administrative management)
• Operations and maintenance management: multiRent – Services (operations management)

You can also browse other useful content on our blog and our packages.

FAQ – Charging stations and co-ownership in Quebec

Q1. Can the board refuse a charging station?

Yes, if the request contravenes the DCV, presents uncontrolled safety risks, overloads the infrastructure or imposes costs on the common expenses without approval. However, the board must propose reasonable alternatives where possible and give reasons for its decision in the minutes.

Q2. Is a vote at the annual general meeting required?

It depends on the nature of the work and the DCV. Substantial modifications to the common portions or the creation of common infrastructure generally require approval at an assembly, according to the majorities set out in the C.C.Q. and the DCV. A strictly private and reversible installation with no significant impact may be authorized by board resolution if permitted by the DCV.

Q3. Who pays for the electricity?

Ideally, the co-owner does, through a dedicated meter or sub-meter. Otherwise, a clear and traceable recharge mechanism is required, with periodic adjustments. For collective projects, a pricing policy approved by the annual general meeting helps limit disputes.

Q4. What insurance should be arranged?

The requesting party should provide proof of civil liability insurance and, if necessary, an extension covering the equipment. The syndicate verifies with its insurer whether additional measures are required for the common portions.

Q5. Are there local considerations in Montreal and the South Shore?

The principles remain the same, but certain municipalities or distributors may have technical or access requirements. Check local regulations and plan coordination with the building.

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

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