Condo Status Certificate
INSPECTION
Condo status certificate: everything you need to know in 2025
Since August 14, 2025, following the enforcement of Bill 16’s regulations, a new requirement applies to all condo sales in Quebec: the condo status certificate, also called the declaration of co-ownership certificate or the syndicate certificate. This official document is designed to ensure greater transparency in real estate transactions and to protect buyers from unexpected financial or technical issues.
What is a condo status certificate?
The certificate is a document prepared by the condo syndicate at the seller’s request.
- The seller must request it as soon as an offer to purchase is accepted.
- The syndicate has 15 days to issue it.
It serves as a complete “health check” of the building and is now mandatory for selling a condo in Quebec.
Why is the certificate mandatory?
Before Bill 16, many buyers only discovered problems after the purchase, such as:
- Unexpected special assessments
- Major upcoming repairs
- Budget deficits in the syndicate
With the certificate, the seller provides accurate and up-to-date information, the buyer can make an informed decision, and the syndicate is required to maintain transparent and responsible management.
Mandatory content of the certificate under Bill 16
The regulations set out exactly what must be included.
Financial information
- Balance of the contingency fund and self-insurance fund
- Recommendations from the contingency fund study for the current year
- Common expenses assessed and paid over the past 3 years
- Surplus or deficit from the past 3 fiscal years
- Operating budget for the current year
- Available liquid assets of the syndicate
Maintenance and repairs
- Major repairs completed in the last 5 years
- Major repairs planned for the next 10 years, based on the maintenance log or contingency fund study
Insurance
- Details of the syndicate’s insurance policies
- Amount in the self-insurance fund
- Maximum applicable deductible
Legal matters and claims
- List of ongoing legal proceedings involving the syndicate
- Summary of claims over the past 5 years
- Copies or summaries of inspections or expert reports completed in the past 5 years
Who prepares the condo status certificate?
The condo syndicate is legally responsible for preparing and providing the certificate. In practice, the property manager often prepares it on behalf of the syndicate.
At Genispec, we support syndicates in collecting and verifying the necessary data, including finances, maintenance records, contingency funds, and major repairs. We ensure the certificate is complete, accurate, and fully compliant with the requirements of Bill 16.
The seller cannot prepare the certificate themselves and must request it from the syndicate.
What are the consequences if it is missing?
- For the seller, the absence of a certificate or an incomplete one can jeopardize the transaction.
- For the buyer, missing information can be a valid reason to withdraw from the offer to purchase.
- For the syndicate, failing to provide it within 15 days or submitting an incomplete certificate may result in legal action.
FAQ about the condo status certificate (Bill 16 Quebec)
What is a condo status certificate?
An official document prepared by the syndicate that outlines the building’s financial, technical, and legal situation when selling a condo.
Is it mandatory in 2025?
Yes. Since August 14, 2025, it is required under Bill 16 for all condo sales in Quebec.
When should it be requested?
The seller must request it from the syndicate as soon as an offer to purchase is accepted. The syndicate has 15 days to provide it.
What if the syndicate doesn’t provide it?
The seller may be in default, and the buyer can withdraw from the offer. Legal action against the syndicate may also be possible.
How is it different from a certificate of location?
The certificate of location describes the condo unit and its cadastral lot. The status certificate provides an overview of the building’s condition, covering finances, repairs, and legal matters.