A significant reform for Quebec condominiums
Implemented in 2020, Law 16 represents a significant step forward for condominium management in Quebec.Its goal is to protect co-owners and maintain property value through preventive maintenance and structured financial planning. At Gestion Aura, we help condo boards achieve legal compliance and sustainable management practices that strengthen the long-term health of their properties.
The origins of Law 16
Law 16 — officially titled An Act to amend the Civil Code and other provisions regarding divided co-ownership — was introduced after several issues were identified:
aging buildings with no maintenance plans,
underfunded reserve funds,
units cannot be sold because of the lack of a certificate on the condition of the condominium
The law now requires condominium boards to manage their buildings proactively rather than reactively.
Core requirements
Law 16 imposes three key obligations:
Maintenance logbook – produced by an expert and updated every five years, it describes the condition of the common building components as well as the work carried out and the work planned over a period of at least 25 years.
Reserve fund study – performed by a professional to determine the required contributions to accomplish the repairs described in the maintenance logbook.
Condominium status certificate – This document may be requested by a potential unit buyer during a transaction and is intended to increase transparency towards the buyer. It must include several key pieces of information, such as:
The current amount of the contingency fund,
The budget deficit or surplus for the past three years,
The status of insurance coverage and the amount of the highest deductible,
Major repairs completed and planned,
Any ongoing legal proceedings involving the condominium association.
These measures help prevent financial strain and protect co-owners from unexpected costs.
Why compliance matters
Failure to comply with Law 16 can lead to legal and financial risks, including underfunded repairs and costly assessments.That’s why Gestion Aura works closely with its clients to:
coordinate with engineers and professionals to develop and maintain the maintenance logbook as well as the reserve fund study,
update financial planning based on reserve fund studies,
support board members with clear, actionable reports.
Our goal is to transform compliance into strategic governance that protects property value and enhances its overall worth.
Benefits of compliance
When a condo follows Law 16 correctly, it benefits from:
increased property value,
fair cost distribution,
reduced disputes among co-owners, and
stronger credibility with lenders and buyers.
Gestion Aura helps boards turn these legal requirements into operational advantages through structured management and expert coordination.
The Aura method: prevention and transparency
Our proactive approach includes:
assessing each building’s condition,
working with trusted partners,
implementing digital tools for transparent management.
This ensures better decision-making, smoother financial planning, and improved long-term stability.
Turn compliance into an opportunity.
Law 16 is more than a legal obligation — it’s an opportunity to safeguard your building’s value and simplify management.Gestion Aura supports you every step of the way with clarity, professionalism, and care.
Contact us today to discover how we can assist your condo board in meeting Law 16 requirements efficiently and confidently.
