Since August 14, 2025, transactions in co-ownership have been disrupted by a major reform of the Civil Code of Quebec. From now on, any co-owner who sells his unit must obtain from the syndicate a certificate on the condition of the co-ownership, which the buyer will receive before the conclusion of the sale. This reform, explained by Me Yves Joli-Cœur, distinguished lawyer, partner at the firm Dunton Rainville and president of the Regroupement des gestionnaires et des copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ), was the subject of an article in the Journal de Montréal.
In this article published on October 20, 2025, entitled “Vendeurs et acheteurs de condos: attention à la nouvelle attestation!”, journalist Stéphane Desjardins highlights the concrete effects of this measure on the co-ownership market. He emphasizes that this measure will profoundly transform the co-ownership market.
A major impact on condo sales
Article 1068.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec requires the syndicate to provide, within 15 days of a request by a co-owner, a certificate summarizing the financial, insurance-related, and technical situation of the co-ownership.
As explained by Me Yves Joli-Cœur:
“An buyer may thus discover that large sums are missing from the contingency fund and withdraw his offer or negotiate a lower price. I am convinced that this new regulation will have an impact on the co-ownership market.”
The certificate thus becomes a true tool to improve market conditions: well-managed buildings will gain value, while those managed negligently will see their value decrease. This reform promotes rigor and transparency, principles that the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ) and Condolegal.com have upheld and promoted for many years.
Poorly managed co-ownerships under pressure
According to Me Joli-Cœur, poorly capitalized or poorly documented co-ownerships will now be easy to identify.
“The new regulation will expose co-ownerships that are struggling or poorly organized,” he states.
The most at-risk syndicates
Several syndicates could find themselves vulnerable, especially those:
whose contingency fund is insufficient,
that do not have an up-to-date maintenance logbook,
that have not completed their contingency fund study,
or that struggle to maintain sound governance.
Possible consequences: “unsellable” condos, refusal of financing by banking institutions, and even withdrawal of insurance coverage.
A tool for accountability
For the syndicate, this certificate becomes a transparency requirement. It imposes constant updating of records and promotes preventive management. This measure is in line with the desire of the RGCQ and Me Joli-Cœur to professionalize the management of co-ownerships. Syndicates will have to plan work, monitor their finances, and rigorously retain their documents to avoid potential disputes.
Long-term structural effects
This certificate affects all market players:
Real estate brokers must ensure that the document is provided before the promise to purchase.
Notaries must verify its compliance.
Lenders and insurers now have a more precise risk assessment tool.
In the long term, this transparency will strengthen market stability and protect buyers.
A progress welcomed by experts
The certificate on the condition of the co-ownership is a decisive step for real estate transparency in Quebec. It holds co-owners, directors, and managers accountable.
Those who wish to comply with these new obligations can consult Condolegal.com’s practical fact sheet on the certificate on the condition of the co-ownership. They will find essential information to better understand this new requirement.
It is also possible to contact the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ), recognized for its expertise in co-ownership. The RGCQ has developed a certificate model that may serve as a reference for syndicates and co-owners.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW! Discover the full analysis published in Le Journal de Montréal: “Vendeurs et acheteurs de condos: attention à la nouvelle attestation!”
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND: This reform will prevent buyers from paying for past mistakes and will help better assess risks before investing.
