Volunteer Condo Work: CNESST and Insurance

Organizing a volunteer work day among co-owners may seem simple, but the legal and insurance risks are very real. In divided co-ownership, the syndicate and board of directors (board) must carefully oversee volunteer work: CNESST, liability insurance, safety and governance.

Information current as of 2026-06-10.

In this article, you will see when volunteer work is appropriate, when you must use licensed contractors, what CNESST does (or does not) cover, and which insurance protections the syndicate should confirm before any volunteer work day in the common portions or around the private portions.

What volunteer work can cover — and what it must avoid

Volunteer work can help reduce common expenses, but not at the expense of compliance. Co-owners can perform certain routine tasks, while others are reserved for contractors holding an RBQ licence.

• Always check the declaration of co-ownership and the by-laws of the immovable before planning a volunteer work day.
• The RBQ specifies which work requires a licence, even if it is volunteer work. Consult the RBQ page on work requiring a licence.

CNESST: understanding coverage and obligations

CNESST administers, among other things, the Act respecting occupational health and safety (AOHS) and the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases (AIAOD). In general, an unpaid volunteer is not a “worker” within the meaning of these laws. They are therefore usually not covered by the AIAOD in the event of an accident, unlike a paid employee. Refer to the official legislation: AOHS and AIAOD.

Even without employees, prevention remains essential. CNESST may intervene on a construction site for safety-related matters. If your volunteer work resembles a construction site (e.g., major repairs to common portions), equivalent safety measures must be applied and, above all, regulated work must be assigned to qualified contractors.

Volunteer, employee, contractor: distinguishing the statuses

• Volunteer: no remuneration or employment relationship. In the event of an injury, a CNESST claim is generally not possible; protection instead relies on insurance (the syndicate’s liability insurance, the volunteer’s personal insurance, or accident insurance if purchased).
• Syndicate employee: paid; CNESST registration and contributions are required, with coverage under the AIAOD. Formal occupational health and safety policies are required.
• Independent contractor: has their own insurance and, depending on the circumstances, assumes their occupational health and safety obligations. Require an RBQ licence and certificates.

“Principal contractor” and construction-site safety

On a construction site, the “principal contractor” has responsibilities for coordinating safety. If the syndicate acts as the principal contractor (e.g., several trades are involved), it must ensure that prevention measures compliant with the AOHS are put in place. This complexity goes beyond the scope of volunteer work and supports hiring a project manager and licensed contractors.

For a reminder of the legal basics applicable to divided co-ownership and the syndicate’s liability, see the Civil Code of Quebec, particularly the section on divided co-ownership: C.C.Q. (see art. 1073 et seq., syndicate insurance; paraphrase only).

Syndicate and board liability insurance

The syndicate must take out insurance covering the building and civil liability for damage caused to third parties in the common portions (art. 1073 et seq. C.C.Q., summary). Check with your broker:

• Syndicate civil liability insurance: does it include community activities and volunteer work days?
• Deductible and exclusions: work at heights, roofing, use of power tools, underage volunteers.
• Directors’ and officers’ insurance (D&O): strongly recommended to protect the board in the event of allegations of management wrongdoing.
• Proof of coverage: keep current insurance certificates in your records.

Remind co-owners that their home (condo) insurance must cover personal civil liability. In the event of an accident during a volunteer work day, a claim may target both the syndicate’s policy and that of the individual involved, depending on the circumstances and alleged fault.

Planning a safe volunteer work day: an 8-step process

Before announcing a “volunteer work day,” prepare a simple, documented framework.

1. Board resolution: approve the activity, its objective, scope and minimum budget (gloves, bags, marking tape, small rental of safe equipment). Record the decision in the minutes.
2. List of permitted/prohibited tasks: based on the declaration of co-ownership and the table above. Clearly prohibit any electrical or mechanical work, roofing work or work at heights.
3. Risk assessment: identify slips and falls, handling, vehicle traffic and chemicals. Put control measures in place (signage, cones, gloves, safety glasses).
4. Direction and supervision: designate a safety officer, a first-aid station and a procedure for stopping work if necessary.
5. Brief training and written instructions: give volunteers a one-page sheet (instructions, required PPE, prohibitions). Have them sign to acknowledge receipt.
6. Safe equipment: favour simple hand tools. No scaffolding and no high ladders. Lock access to mechanical rooms.
7. Access and third-party management: mark off the areas and post notices in the elevators and lobby to alert residents and visitors.
8. Closing and follow-up: conduct a validation walk-through, collect waste, and record incidents/“near misses.” Enter everything in the technical file and, where necessary, the maintenance logbook / EUC.

For operational implementation, see our operations management services: multiRent – Services. We help syndicates plan routine work and hire the right contractors.

Governance, record-keeping and practical tax considerations

Good governance reduces risks and facilitates insurance claims.

• Documents: retain the notice of meeting, board resolution, participant list, signed instructions and insurance certificates. Include a summary in the minutes following the activity, and present a brief report at the annual general meeting.
• Compliance with the declaration of co-ownership: check whether it imposes limits on work in the common portions and on common equipment.
• Maintenance logbook / EUC: record useful findings (light bulbs to be replaced, blocked drains) and open work orders for follow-up.
• Budgets: small expenses for a volunteer work day fall under common expenses for routine maintenance; do not use the contingency fund for volunteer work.
• Expense reimbursements: if you reimburse volunteers for purchases (e.g., bags, gloves), document invoices and approvals. For tax considerations (allowances, reimbursements), refer to Revenu Quebec.

For good-practice guidance in divided co-ownership, also consult the RGCQ.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can a volunteer injured during a volunteer work day receive compensation from CNESST?

Generally, no: without an employment relationship and remuneration, the AIAOD does not apply. Compensation instead relies on the relevant insurance policies (syndicate, volunteer) and the liability at issue. Refer to the AIAOD and confirm your coverage with your broker.

Q2. Can the syndicate ask co-owners to repaint the stairwell?

Small-scale, non-structural decorative painting may be suitable for volunteer work if the declaration of co-ownership and by-laws permit it, the risks are controlled and no dangerous work at heights is required. Any major structural or elevated repair must be assigned to licensed contractors (see RBQ).

Q3. Can the board have volunteers sign a waiver of liability?

A general waiver may have limited value and does not protect against gross negligence. Prevention is better: clearly defined tasks, written instructions, PPE, supervision and adequate insurance. For suitable wording, consult a lawyer and consider the C.C.Q. (reference).

Useful resources:

• AOHS – Act respecting occupational health and safety: LegisQuebec
• AIAOD – Industrial accidents: LegisQuebec
• Divided co-ownership in the C.C.Q. (syndicate insurance): LegisQuebec
• Work requiring a licence: RBQ
• Good practices for a co-ownership syndicate: RGCQ

To explore other practical management topics, visit the multiRent blog and discover our operations services. You can also compare our packages or contact us for support.

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

This article provides general information and does not replace advice from a tax professional or accountant. Refer to Revenu Quebec and the CRA for exact requirements.

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