Bill 16: What You Need to Know in

Bill 16 was passed on December 5, 2019. Several provisions related to divided co-ownership (condominiums) have been in force since January 10, 2020.

The implementation regulation, which outlines the requirements for the maintenance logbook, reserve fund study, and co-ownership certificate, was published on July 30, 2025 (Decree 991-2025) and took effect on August 14, 2025.

This guide explains each obligation and the key dates for compliance.

Maintenance logbook

Since August 14, 2025, all divided co-ownerships in Quebec must have a maintenance logbook that meets the requirements of Bill 16.

This document must be prepared by an authorized professional (OIQ, OEAQ, OAQ, OTPQ) who is independent of the syndicate. It must:

• List all components of the building and their condition
• Include a plan for major repairs and replacement of common elements covering a period of at least 25 years
• Specify the timelines and estimated costs for each intervention

Mandatory updates:

• Every year: the logbook must be updated to include all work done on the building
• Every 5 years: a complete review must be conducted by a professional
• Every 10 years if the building qualifies as a small property (8 units or fewer, or 3 above-ground floors or fewer, or no interior common elements)

Compliance deadline: Syndicates have until August 14, 2028 to have a compliant logbook in place.

Reserve fund study

Since the law came into force, the reserve fund must be managed under stricter rules to ensure the long-term upkeep of the building.

Every 5 years, the syndicate must have a reserve fund study prepared by a qualified professional from the approved professional orders (OIQ, OEAQ, OAQ, OTPQ, CPA). The study must:

• Assess the condition of the common elements and estimate their remaining useful life
• Provide cost estimates for repairs or replacements over a minimum period of 25 years
• Determine the level of contributions needed to cover this work without deficit, based on actual needs rather than a fixed percentage of common expenses

All divided co-ownerships must have a compliant study completed by August 14, 2028.

Co-ownership certificate

Since August 14, 2025, the sale of any divided co-ownership unit in Quebec must include a certificate issued by the syndicate of co-owners.

This document must include:

• Financial status (budget, reserve fund balance, self-insurance fund balance)
• List of major repairs planned or in progress
• Ongoing legal disputes
• Current insurance coverage

Recommendations from the most recent reserve fund study on the amount that should be available at the start of the year.

Mandatory deadline: The certificate must be provided within 15 days of the request by the selling co-owner.

Buyer deposits

Also in effect since August 14, 2025, Bill 16 requires stronger protection for deposits paid by buyers when entering into a purchase agreement for a divided co-ownership unit.

All deposits must be placed in trust with an authorized professional, such as:

• A notary
• A lawyer
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

This applies to both new builds and resales. It ensures that buyer funds are not used for other purposes and remain protected in the event of a dispute or bankruptcy.

Application: This obligation has been in effect immediately since August 14, 2025.

How Genispec can help you comply with Bill 16 in

Our team of building engineers in Montreal can assist you with:

• Maintenance logbook
• Reserve fund study
• Co-ownership certificate on the condition of the syndicate

We serve the Greater Montreal area as well as the Rive Nord and Rive Sud. Need more information? Contact Genispec to request your free quote.

What is Bill 16?

Bill 16 was introduced to address the growing challenges faced by condominium syndicates as this form of housing becomes more common in Quebec. The government established new rules to strengthen condominium management.

The main goal is to modernize the legal framework to better meet the evolving needs of the real estate sector, particularly in management practices, and to ensure that processes are more effective and aligned with today’s realities.

Key Dates to Remember

Other important points in Bill 16

Along with the new obligations taking effect between 2025 and 2028, Bill 16 also contains provisions that have been in force since January 10, 2020. These measures aim to improve transparency, protect buyers, and ensure proper condominium management in Quebec.

Penalty clause

The penalty clause in a declaration of co-ownership allows the syndicate to sanction owners who do not follow the established rules, for example, failing to pay condo fees or carrying out unauthorized work.

Before the reform, such a clause could often be added or changed by a simple majority vote at a meeting. Since Bill 16, any modification or addition to a penalty clause requires amending the constitutive act of co-ownership, which involves a higher voting threshold, a notarized act, and registration in the land register.

Buyer protection

Bill 16 guarantees that prospective buyers have access to key information about the condominium before purchase, whether for a new or existing unit.

The developer must set up a reserve fund at delivery and provide detailed information about materials, management, and layout.

These measures are supported by stricter rules for condominium syndicates, including the obligation to have a maintenance logbook, a reserve fund study, and a self-insurance fund.

Transparency in sales

The seller must provide the buyer with the co-ownership certificate that details finances, planned work, and the building’s condition.

These requirements have been in place since 2020, but the 2025 regulation clarifies the mandatory content and the 15-day delivery deadline.

Insurance and financial security

Reinforced insurance requirements play an important role in providing future buyers with reliable information about their investment, while protecting the building’s value and long-term stability.

What Bill 16 means depending on your situation

Benefits of Bill 16

Latest updates on Bill 16