Act 16 in Quebec: Complete Guide for Condo Boards

Quebec's Act 16, adopted in December 2019, introduced significant new obligations for divided co-ownership syndicates. If you manage a condo in Quebec, even as a volunteer, this guide explains what you need to do and how to comply.

What is Act 16?

Act 16 amends several provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec to strengthen the governance of divided co-ownerships. Its goal is to protect co-owners by requiring more rigorous and transparent building management.

The two main obligations affecting all syndicates are:

• The building maintenance log
• The reserve fund study conducted by a qualified professional

The Maintenance Log: What Is It?

The maintenance log is a living document that lists all components of your building: structure, roof, mechanical systems, electrical, plumbing, common areas, etc.

For each component, the log must include:

• Current condition and installation year
• Estimated remaining useful life
• History of completed work
• Recommended maintenance schedule

This document is not optional; it is a legal requirement, and it protects you by documenting that you have acted as a diligent manager.

The Reserve Fund Study

The reserve fund is the financial reserve for major future repairs. Act 16 now requires this fund to be replenished based on a professional study conducted every 5 years by an engineer or building technologist.

Why This Matters for Volunteer Boards

Act 16 actually protects you as a board member:

• It requires you to document your decisions
• It protects against lawsuits in case of damage
• It reassures potential buyers of units in your building

How to Get Started

If you don't yet have a maintenance log, start with a simple inventory of your building's components. Tools like Kohabit can guide you step by step, with predefined categories compliant with Act 16 requirements.

For the reserve fund, contact a building technologist or engineer to conduct the mandatory study.

Kohabit offers a maintenance log module designed for Act 16 compliance. Create your free account and get started today.