Bill 16 — the complete guide

Bill 16 (Bill No. 16, 2019, chapter 28) is a major reform of the Civil Code of Quebec that modernizes the management of divided co-ownerships. It requires condominium corporations to keep a maintenance log, carry out a contingency fund study and issue a status certificate on the condition of the building at the time of sales.

The three mandatory pillars of Bill 16 are: 1) The maintenance log, which records all past and planned work on the building. 2) The contingency fund study, carried out by an independent expert, which assesses the amounts to be contributed to finance future work. 3) The condominium status certificate, a required document for any sale of a co-ownership fraction.

The implementing regulation has been in force since August 14, 2025. Condominium corporations must be fully compliant by 2028, according to the progressive schedule set out in the law. Obligations vary depending on the size and age of the building.

The maintenance log is an official register kept by the condominium corporation that documents the state of the building, the maintenance work carried out, the inspections performed and the work to be planned. It must be updated regularly and is accessible to unit owners.

The contingency fund study is an analysis carried out by an expert (engineer, architect or professional technologist) who evaluates the condition of the building components and calculates the contributions required for the contingency fund to finance future major work. It must be updated every five years.

A corporation not compliant with Bill 16 faces difficulties at the time of unit sales (the certificate will be incomplete or unfavourable), disputes with unit owners, and a depreciation of units. Buyers and their financial institutions increasingly demand Bill 16 compliance before closing a transaction.