Imminent Release of the Bill 16 Implementation Regulation

Montreal, February 20, 2025 – Adopted by the National Assembly in 2019 and partially in effect since 2020, Bill 16 laid the foundation for a major reform of divided co-ownership in Quebec. However, some of its provisions were still awaiting an implementation regulation to come into force. That wait is now coming to an end: the government is set to officially introduce the regulation governing, among other things, the certificate on the state of the co-ownership as well as the requirement for condominium syndicates to conduct a reserve fund study and maintain a maintenance log.

A Highly Anticipated Regulation to Clarify and Enforce New Obligations

This regulation aims to establish greater transparency and stricter management of condominiums. The certificate on the state of the co-ownership, which will become a mandatory requirement when selling a unit, will provide prospective buyers with precise information on the financial situation and physical condition of the building.

Additionally, the reserve fund study and the maintenance log, now mandatory for all condominium syndicates, address a major issue: preventing chronic underfunding of buildings and ensuring proper financial planning for the maintenance and replacement of common areas.

A Matter of Transparency and Protection for Co-Owners

Me Yves Joli-Cœur, distinguished lawyer and president of the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ), emphasizes the critical importance of this regulation:

"The lack of planning and sufficient funds has often led to dramatic situations where co-owners suddenly have to cover unexpected special assessments of tens of thousands of dollars. The implementation of this regulation marks a crucial step in ensuring the sustainability of buildings and the protection of co-owners."

This issue has drawn significant media attention, with several publications highlighting its impact. Me Joli-Cœur was notably interviewed by La Presse, where he explained the concrete changes introduced by this new regulation:

• Condos: A Law to End the Nightmares – La Presse (in French)
• Downtown Montreal: Too Expensive, Too Small – Special Report (in French)
• Montreal: A Market Finally Favorable to Renters

A Major Step Forward for Co-Ownership in Quebec

With the upcoming implementation of this regulation, the legislative reform of condominium law introduced by Bill 16 will be fully realized. While this reform imposes increased obligations on condominium syndicates and administrators, it primarily represents a significant advancement in preserving built heritage and protecting co-owners.

Read our full report on the reforms introduced by Bill 16.