54 Articles
05/04/2026
Water damage remains the leading cause of claims in co-ownership buildings in Quebec. Faced with the increase in claims and the growing requirements of insurers, many co-ownership syndicates are now considering installing water detection and shut-off systems to reduce risks and limit potential damage. However, when such a project is considered, a question frequently arises: who should install these systems and what licences are required to perform this work?...
23/02/2026
The aging of Quebec’s real estate stock is no longer a theoretical projection: it is now well documented and is concretely visible on the ground. In co-ownership, this reality translates into a marked increase in major work to be planned and carried out — façades, roofs, balconies, parking areas, building envelopes and mechanical systems. According to data from the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ), the average age of the co-ownership stock in…...
11/02/2026
Automatic water shut-off systems, also known as water leak detection systems — as they combine leak detection and automatic water supply interruption — are gaining popularity in co-ownership properties. Their ability to prevent water damage and curb rising insurance premiums makes them a strategic tool for preserving building value, benefiting both the syndicate and co-owners. Beyond the technical aspect, these systems form part of a broader approach to governance and preventive building management, consistent with…...
09/02/2026
Since the adoption of Act 16 in 2019, the co-ownership sector has been living to the rhythm of announcements, postponements and awaited regulations. For many syndicates, this reform long remained abstract, perceived as a distant undertaking or one reserved for large co-ownerships. However, 2025 marks a real turning point: obligations become concrete, measurable and, above all, enforceable. Three tools are now at the heart of syndicate governance: the maintenance logbook, the contingency fund study and…...
12/01/2026
The labour shortage in property management: direct impacts on the management of co-ownerships Quebec is facing a marked shortage of qualified managers, at a time when the legal requirements governing co-ownership are becoming increasingly complex. Between the gradual coming into force of Law 16, the adjustments related to Law 141 and the aging of a real estate stock whose average age exceeds 30 years, syndicates must cope with increased pressure. This shortage directly affects the…...
22/12/2025
Financial transparency is one of the cornerstones of trust between a syndicate’s board of directors and its co-owners. In medium-sized or large co-ownerships, using a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) to prepare audited financial statements—or at least reviewed financial statements—represents an excellent governance practice. This mechanism not only helps ensure the reliability of financial information, but also strengthens the credibility of the board of directors in the exercise of its duties. However, one question comes up…...
14/12/2025
For many years, the co-ownership sector has evolved in a climate of latent tension, often fueled by a form of misunderstanding between management offices and the co-owners themselves. But is this tension really attributable to one or the other of these actors? One may legitimately doubt this when observing, on the one hand, the increasingly high-performing digital innovations developed by the sector, and, on the other hand, the efforts made by developers to design buildings…...
17/10/2025
Absenteeism in the workplace is a sensitive issue for any employer, including a syndicate of co-owners that employs maintenance, janitorial, or administrative staff. When an employee is repeatedly absent — particularly on Mondays and Fridays — or provides vague medical notes such as “Off work for one week” or “Seen at the clinic – follow up in 3 days,” the director faces a dilemma: how can efficient management of work be reconciled with respect for…...
10/06/2025
Managing a property entails distinct responsibilities depending on its ownership. While an individual owner enjoys complete autonomy regarding the maintenance of their property, co-ownership imposes a governance framework that oversees the preservation of collective assets. This distinction is central to management and asset management issues. An owner who enjoys exclusive rights over a single-family property, for example, exercises absolute control: they can preserve the quality of their property or, conversely, neglect it and suffer the consequences.…...
18/03/2025
A well-managed co-ownership is one that maintains its value, anticipates its needs, and operates in a structured and efficient manner. A good manager does not merely perform administrative tasks: they are a true strategic partner to the board of directors, actively contributing to informed decision-making and the long-term sustainability of the building. Their role goes far beyond coordinating day-to-day operations; they are a key player in shaping a long-term vision for the property. Through their…...