Are You Lost in the New Condominium Law?

Article based on the content of a radio interview you can listen to in full by clicking here.

Since August 14, 2025, the new condominium law has been officially in force. Many syndicates and co-owners are trying to understand what these changes mean in practice for the management, financing, and market value of their buildings. To shed light on the matter, host Marie-Ève Tremblay welcomed to her show Me Yves Joli-Cœur, Emeritus Lawyer, partner at Dunton Rainville, and founder of the Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ).

Major Impacts on Financing

Marie-Ève Tremblay: Does the new law change the way banks lend to co-owners?
Me Yves Joli-Cœur: “So that’s already a major impact. Loans are no longer granted in poorly maintained condominiums. When the building is rotten, as we say, financial institutions don’t want to take the risk.”

According to Me Joli-Cœur, financial regulators will now be “tightening the screws,” a move already well established elsewhere in the world. The goal is clear: to stabilize the real estate market and reduce risks associated with neglected buildings.

“Rotten Condos” That Will Lose Value

Me Yves Joli-Cœur: “There are rotten condos in Quebec. They are going to lose value. Those who have taken care of their building over the years will be advantaged by the law. The others will see their investment decrease.”

For the co-owners concerned, the market value of a condo is no longer guaranteed if the syndicate has not complied with the new maintenance and reserve requirements.

The Law in Force Since August 14

Marie-Ève Tremblay: Concretely, what has changed since August 14?
Me Yves Joli-Cœur: “Since that date, new legal obligations apply to all syndicates. Each condominium must now produce a certificate on the state of the condominium, an essential document to be provided during any transaction. This increases transparency and makes all co-owners more accountable.”

Reactions from Listeners

Josée, a listener, wrote in to share her experience:

“I lived in a condo for six years. I took courses to train myself to manage properly. But I was surrounded by disinterested co-owners. I ended up selling.”

This testimony highlights a recurring problem: without collective involvement, managing a building becomes almost impossible.

Buying a Condo: More Complex than Buying a House

Marie-Ève Tremblay: Why is buying a condo so different from buying a house?
Me Yves Joli-Cœur: “It’s the most complicated process of all the properties one can buy on a personal level. First, you need to look at several elements: the contingency fund, insurance, the maintenance log… and of course, carefully read the certificate on the state of the condominium. This document requires that all claims from the past five years be disclosed.”

He also emphasizes the importance of the broker’s role:
Me Yves Joli-Cœur: “A good broker doesn’t just post a listing. They must verify the accuracy of the information, advise the buyer, and sometimes even recommend consulting a lawyer. It’s much more work than before.”

Marie-Ève Tremblay added that a buyer should now make sure their broker has received specialized training in condominiums before making a commitment.

A Call to Get Involved

For Me Joli-Cœur, the coming into force of the law marks a turning point:

• Co-owners must take responsibility.

• Boards of directors must apply the new rules rigorously.

• Buyers must pay close attention to the condition of buildings before investing.

Condominium ownership is no longer a passive form of property: it requires genuine engagement.

Conclusion

The new condominium law is reshaping the daily lives of syndicates and co-owners. By strengthening requirements for maintenance, transparency, and financing, it imposes stricter management and greater vigilance in transactions. For Me Yves Joli-Cœur, this shift was inevitable: it will protect buyers, stabilize the market, and preserve the value of buildings.

Buying or managing a condo in Quebec is now a more demanding process than before — but also a safer one for those who take it seriously.