Management

Factsheets

22 Articles

Water damages

The concept of water damage refers to the damages caused to property by the action of water; it can be a pipe that bursts because of the frost, the drain pipe of the washing machine that breaks or the bathtub that overflows. Water damages are probably the most recurrent problems in immovables in a co-ownership (condominium) regime; as a matter of fact, over the past ten years, the proportion of this type of loss has more than doubled. Furthermore, water…...

Management

Surveillance cameras in co-ownerships

The desire to preserve the safety of people and property may lead both the syndicates and co-owners to consider installing surveillance cameras in the building. For many, when a co-ownership (condominium) faces repeated acts of vandalism or experiences burglaries, video surveillance is often seen as an effective solution, especially since the decrease in costs and technological advances have made it more accessible. However, the legality of installing cameras in co-ownerships raises several issues and sparks debates, particularly among…...

Management
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Resident janitor

Among the employees of the immovable of the co-ownership (condominium), we find the janitor; the latter's main mission is to carry out various housekeeping work in the common portions of the building and to take care of both the interior and the exterior, the entrance, the hallways, the corridors, the stairs and the garden. The janitor also ensures general surveillance of the immovable and must report any disorder if necessary; like any contractual relationship, the relationship between the syndicate of co-owners and the janitor must…...

Management

Hiring staff in a co-ownership

People hired by a syndicate of co-owners have rights; it's best to be aware of them and to understand the implications. The management of personnel within a co-ownership (condominium) is of the responsibility of the board of directors and so, whether it concerns the janitor, the security guard or any other employee of the immovable; he is in charge of the hiring and the laying off but also of the training and he must ensure that the work done by the employees corresponds to…...

Management

Hiring of staff: employee or independent contractor?

Managing human resources in co-ownerships is a challenge from both a financial and management point of view; flexible working hours, the possibility of working from home and other work-life balance measures are all factors to be taken into account. Unless the directors carry out the housekeeping of the common portions themselves, the syndicate of co-owners will have to employ people such as a janitor, man maintenance, a doorman, a security guard, etc. It should be noted that the possibility…...

Management

Forecast annual budget

Preparing a forecast annual budget is an unavoidable task in a co-ownership (condominium); its preparation, preliminary examination and adoption will ensure the proper functioning of the syndicate of co-owners. It is up to the board of directors to define the terms of the forecast annual budget based on the expenses that will have to be paid to allow the syndicate to respect its obligations; the budget also makes it possible to fix the amount of the contributions of each co-owner related to…...

Management

Common expenses: allocation and collection

The co-ownership (condominium) gives rise to expenses relating to the maintenance of the common portions and the day-to-day administration of the syndicate. Administrative, maintenance, replacement, improvement or alteration expenses of the common portions are divided among the co-owners of the immovable. General common expenses are to be distinguished from particular common expenses; in the first case, it is the relative value of each fraction that is used to establish the co-owners contribution whereas for particular common…...

Management

Co-ownership water heater

In a divided co-ownership, most storage water heaters (electric or gas) play an essential role in the daily comfort of residents; typically installed inside the apartments, these devices are considered to be part of the private portions thus falling under the individual responsibility of each co-owner and so, it is imperative for them to ensure the proper functioning of their water heaters by paying a particular attention to any signs of aging or failure.  ...

Management

Co-ownership facades

The facades of an immovable not only ensure its sealing, they also have their own identity; in addition to regulating climate conditions and improving the comfort of the occupants, they are vectors of style and therefore, should work be undertaken to repair or replace them, it is essential to ensure their structural, architectural and heritage integrity and so, whether it concerns a stand alone immovable, a co-ownership by phases or townhouses. Furthermore, some facades are subject to the Building Chapter of the Safety…...

Management

Choosing the right condo manager

Selecting the services of a good condo manager requires a thorough and thoughtful process; it is up to the board of directors to decide whether they prefer a small or large co-ownership (condominium) management company, this choice needing to consider not only the size and specific features of the immovable but also the importance of choosing a manager who stands out for their honesty, their skills and their availability as well as having am unwavering commitment to the co-ownership.    …...

Management