Publishing Condo By-Laws in the Quebec Land Register

Publishing by-laws of the immovable in the Quebec Land Register is a key step for any divided co-ownership. This formality makes your rules enforceable against buyers and creditors, and protects transactions. Without publication, even by-laws duly adopted may be difficult to enforce against third parties.

This article explains, in practical terms, when to publish, how to proceed and which documents to provide. It also covers the responsibilities of the board of directors, the majorities commonly required at the annual general meeting, and the risks associated with failing to publish.

Updated as of 2026-06-12

What does publication mean, and when is it required?

In divided co-ownership, the declaration of co-ownership includes, among other things, the act of constitution of the co-ownership, the descriptive state of the fractions and the by-laws of the immovable. “Publication” in the Quebec Land Register means making these acts, and any amendments to them, public and enforceable against third parties under the rules governing the publication of rights.

In most cases, you must publish the following in the Land Register:

• The initial by-laws of the immovable (included in the declaration of co-ownership and published when the co-ownership is created);
• Any amendment to the by-laws of the immovable adopted by the meeting of co-owners;
• Any other amendment to the declaration of co-ownership affecting the rights and obligations of co-owners.

Publication is especially important when rules concern the use of common portions, restrictions on the use of private portions, the destination of the immovable, or any other element that could influence a buyer. Without registration, these changes may not bind an acquirer who was unaware of them at the time of purchase.

For the legal framework, refer to the Civil Code of Quebec (provisions governing divided co-ownership) and the Act respecting the publication of rights (principles of enforceability against third parties and priority of rights).

• Civil Code of Quebec – divided co-ownership (C.c.Q.)
• Act respecting the publication of rights (LPD)

Majorities, adoption process and enforceability against third parties

Before publishing, the by-laws must first be adopted. In practice, the board of directors prepares a draft, places it on the meeting agenda and submits it to a vote. The minutes must accurately reflect the resolution adopted, the quorum, the voting results and, where applicable, the weighting of votes.

• Required majority: many amendments to the by-laws of the immovable are decided by a majority of the votes cast by co-owners present or represented. Certain sensitive matters (e.g., the destination of the immovable, the alienation of significant common portions or the amendment of real rights) may require enhanced majorities or even unanimity. Check your declaration of co-ownership and the applicable provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec.
• Enforceability against third parties: once adopted, an amendment binds the co-owners. It becomes enforceable against third parties after publication in the Land Register, in accordance with the principles governing the publication of rights.

Recommended steps:

1. Prepare a clear, well-supported draft (context, objective and proposed wording);
2. Send the notice of meeting with the draft attached, within the prescribed time limits;
3. Hold the annual general meeting, vote and record the resolution in the minutes;
4. Mandate a notary to execute the amending deed and arrange for its publication.

For co-ownership governance guidance, also consult the resources of the RGCQ.

Publication file for the Quebec Land Register

An amendment to the by-laws of the immovable is usually published by notarial deed in minute form. The notary gathers the documents, prepares the amending deed to the declaration of co-ownership and publishes it against the building’s registration record in the Land Register.

Documents and information to prepare

• Adopted resolution: a certified true copy of the minutes indicating the exact wording, quorum and voting results;
• Authority and identification: proof that the person signing for the syndicate (director or officer) is duly authorized;
• Declaration of co-ownership and by-laws in force: a consolidated version to facilitate drafting;
• Cadastral designation: lot numbers and, where applicable, lots forming part of common portions for restricted use;
• Syndicate contact information: legal name, NEQ and civic address;
• Proof that the notice of meeting and documents were sent and delivered, if required by the declaration of co-ownership.

The notary will confirm the required form and verify consistency between the declaration of co-ownership, the resolution and the draft by-laws. The notary will also ensure that the wording does not conflict with the Civil Code of Quebec or other legislation of public order.

Timelines and follow-up

Between the signing of the amending deed and its registration in the Land Register, allow a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the file and the notary’s workload. After publication, keep the requisition and the statement of publication in the syndicate’s records. Send an internal notice to co-owners and update your document package: consolidated declaration of co-ownership, by-laws of the immovable, co-owner guide and intranet site, if applicable.

Management tip: centralize your documents and follow-ups in a board of directors deadline calendar, with a reminder for any rule that will require future adaptation (e.g., electric vehicle charging stations, major renovations, security, etc.).

Consequences of non-publication and board of directors best practices

Failing to publish creates concrete risks:

• Not enforceable against buyers: an acquirer may challenge by-laws that were not published at the time of purchase;
• Obstacles to a sale: brokers and notaries require the declaration of co-ownership and its published amendments. The absence of registration may delay or derail a transaction;
• More disputes: unpublished rules are more likely to be challenged;
• Insurance and compliance: a discrepancy between internal practices and published documents may complicate claims and risk-management files.

Best practices for the board of directors:

• Confirm the legal basis and consistency with the declaration of co-ownership before the vote;
• Draft clear wording, with definitions and measurable application procedures;
• Obtain the required majorities and document the minutes carefully;
• Publish promptly after adoption, then communicate the change to co-owners and occupants;
• Keep an up-to-date document register that is readily accessible to the board of directors and the condominium manager.

From a budgeting perspective, expenses related to preparing and publishing by-laws are common expenses for ongoing administration. They are generally charged to the operating budget, not the contingency fund. Anticipate them in your annual planning to avoid special assessments.

For structured support with documentation, see our administrative management services and our blog resources.

FAQ – Publishing by-laws in the Land Register

Are unpublished by-laws of the immovable invalid?

They may bind the co-owners who validly adopted them, depending on the declaration of co-ownership and the Civil Code of Quebec. However, with respect to third parties (e.g., buyers and creditors), the absence of publication weakens their enforceability. Publication in the Land Register protects your rights against people outside the co-ownership.

Is it mandatory to go through a notary?

To amend the declaration of co-ownership, standard practice and the legal framework generally require a notarial deed in minute form, published in the Land Register. The notary verifies the syndicate’s capacity, the validity of the vote and the compliance of the wording, then arranges for registration.

What are the main reasons for refusal by the Land Register?

Common reasons include an incomplete cadastral designation, an imprecise identification of the syndicate, discrepancies between the resolution and the deed, or failure to comply with the required formalities. A well-prepared file with up-to-date documents reduces these risks.

Useful references:

• Civil Code of Quebec – divided co-ownership (C.c.Q.)
• Act respecting the publication of rights (LPD)
• Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ)
• OACIQ – resources for buying and selling condos

Are you beginning a review of your by-laws? Discover how multiRent can structure your notices of meeting, minutes and publication follow-ups within a clear operational framework:

• Our services (administration, finance and operations)
• Our packages

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

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