Buying a condo without understanding how condo fees work is like buying a car without asking about maintenance. It’s not the purchase price that hurts, it’s everything that follows if you didn’t do your homework.
Key takeaways from this condo fees guide
- Condo fees cover shared building expenses like maintenance, insurance, and the reserve fund.
- They’re calculated based on your share of ownership.
- Underestimating these fees or buying into a poorly managed building can get expensive quickly.
- This guide helps you understand, anticipate, and evaluate condo fees so you can buy with confidence.
What are condo fees?
Condo fees, also known as condominium fees, are mandatory monthly contributions each unit owner pays to cover shared expenses in a condo building. These aren’t optional or negotiable. They’re part of your deed and legally binding under Quebec’s civil code.
Your share is based on your unit’s ownership share, typically linked to the square footage and location of your condo. The syndicate of co-ownership (syndicat de copropriété) sets the budget, and that’s how your individual payment is calculated.
What do condominium fee cover?
It isn’t always obvious to know before purchasing your condo. Here is what is generally included:
| Covered items | Included? |
| Cleaning and maintenance of common areas | Yes ❎ |
| Mechanical systems maintenance | Yes ❎ |
| Electricity in hallways, lobbies, garages | Yes ❎ |
| Management and administration costs | Yes ❎ |
| Building insurance | Yes ❎ |
| Reserve fund study | Yes ❎ |
| Minor repairs | Yes ❎ |
| Concierge or 24/7 security | Optional ❎ |
| Snow removal or landscaping | Optional ❎ |
| Shared telecom packages | Optional ❎ |
How are condo fees calculated?
Each unit in a condo building is assigned a share of the total property. This percentage is based on your unit’s size, location, and relative value. Your condo fees are directly tied to this number.
Example:
- Annual condo budget: $90,000
- Your share: 3%
- Your monthly fee: (90,000 × 3%) ÷ 12 = $225
To verify your exact share, consult your declaration of co-ownership. This document is essential for understanding your financial obligations.
How to optimize or reduce your condominium fees
Long-term savings often come from better management, not lower fees on paper.
Before purchasing, ask for:
- Detailed documents: budgets, financial statements, and board meeting minutes
- Confirmation that a professional property inspection has been completed
- Evidence the building complies with Quebec’s updated condo laws (especially around preventive maintenance and syndicate responsibilities)
Buildings that prioritize transparency and sound governance tend to have more stable fees and fewer financial surprises. When in doubt, compare with other developments that publish clear financial models and reserve fund data.
What happens if you don’t pay condo fees?
Failing to pay your condo maintenance fees comes with immediate legal and financial risks. From the very first missed payment, the condo syndicate can apply late interest charges, issue formal notices, and if the situation persists, register a legal claim (hypothec) on your unit. This means you’ll be required to settle all outstanding amounts, including interest, before selling your property. Your credit score could be affected, and in some cases, you may lose your right to vote at co-owners’ meetings.
Beyond personal consequences, your missed payments can unbalance the building’s shared budget. Every co-owner contributes to the building’s operations, so any shortfall affects the group. A building struggling with cash flow may delay repairs or underfund its reserve, which eventually impacts everyone, including you.
FAQ
Are condo fees tax-deductible?
Do condo fee include property tax?
No. Property tax is billed separately by the municipality to each unit owner.
What are the average condominium fees in Quebec?
Typical fees range from $200 to $400/month, but buildings with pools, elevators, or older infrastructure may charge more.
Who sets condominium fees in a new building?
The developer initially sets them. They’re often reassessed after the first annual meeting.
Do condo maintenance fees increase every year?
Often, yes. Inflation, insurance hikes, or major repairs push them upward. A healthy reserve fund smooths out these jumps.
Can I refuse to pay certain fees if I don’t use some services (e.g., pool)?
No. Condo fees are distributed by ownership share, not usage. It’s part of the collective structure.
Do town houses have condo fees?
If they’re part of a co-ownership, yes. Some town homes operate within condo syndicates, especially in urban areas.
Genispec
Consulting engineering firm based in Québec
Genispec is a consulting engineering firm made up of building engineers who are members of the OIQ. We offer specialized services in façade and underground parking inspections in accordance with Law 122, as well as reserve fund studies and maintenance logs as required by Law 16. We also conduct inspections of commercial, multi-residential, industrial buildings, and condominiums. In addition, we provide building condition certificates and pre-delivery inspections.
All our reports are validated by a qualified engineer. Every article published on our website is reviewed and approved by a qualified member of our team to ensure the technical accuracy of the information.