Government agency who is responsible for enforcing the Building Act. With the aim of protecting the public, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) contributes to the quality and safety of buildings and facilities. It also sees to the professional qualification of construction contractors and owner-builders, as well as to ensure their probity. Its areas of intervention are building, electricity, plumbing, gas, petroleum equipment, pressure installations, elevators and other lifting devices, ski lifts, games and rides, bathing areas and energy efficiency. To fulfill its mandate, the RBQ:
01/10/2024
Recently, I was confronted with a situation that raises important questions regarding insurance in divided co-ownership. After a loss caused by torrential rains, a co-owner refused to allow the contractor designated by the insurer to intervene in their private portion, preferring to hire their own contractor. This case led me…...
16/06/2024
Every syndicate of co-owners has obligations regarding common portions maintenance. Article 1039 of the Civil Code of Québec provides that "Upon the publication of the declaration of co-ownership, the co-owners as a body constitute a legal person, the objects of which are the preservation of the immovable, the maintenance and…...
28/06/2024
Over time, various maintenance or improvement works will become necessary, sometimes requiring the syndicate to access private portions, or even to carry out the work within them. To prevent any obstruction of essential work for the syndicate of co-owners, Article 1066 of the Civil Code of Québec states that no co-owner…...
28/06/2024
The law has provided legislative provisions for syndicates of co-owners to ensure they are protected in the event of poorly executed work (article 1081 of the Civil Code of Quebec). The legislator aims to address the issues that may arise following a construction project. When work is carried out in…...
16/06/2024
In our co-ownership, the use of indoor parking spaces is strictly regulated for safety and proper management. Our declaration of co-ownership, in the building regulations section, states that no object other than an automobile may be stored in an indoor parking space without prior written authorization from the board of…...
07/06/2024
Le mercredi 12 juin 2024, de 19h00 à 20h00, ne manquez pas notre prochaine session spéciale de la webradio Condolegal, dédiée aux piscines en copropriété divise....
27/05/2024
Our syndicate of co-ownership will soon undertake repair work on the building's garage slab. As a director, we consulted an engineer to prepare a cost estimate. We are now at the stage of initiating the work. Given the significant costs involved, we have questions about choosing the contractor. It is…...
04/05/2024
May 4, 2024 — Warm weather during the summer months can unfortunately coincide with aquatic tragedies that have fatal consequences. Warm seasons have been marked by tragic incidents in various aquatic environments. For instance, a high school student was found drowned in his school's pool. Additionally, a very young child…...
04/05/2024
The presence of a swimming pool in a divided co-ownership is a significant attraction for the building's occupants, transforming common portions into a haven of relaxation and comfort. This facility allows residents to enjoy swimming pleasures without leaving the comfort of their home. Effective management and proper use of this…...
01/04/2024
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…...
28/03/2024
Many co-ownerships (condominiums) have elevators because they are built vertically; occupants who live there especially the elderly or those have reduced mobility expect them to be in continuous operation. The concerned syndicates of co-owners are thus required to guarantee that the elevators are brought up to meet the required standards. Elevators must be kept in good…...
22/03/2024
En tant que membre du conseil d'administration de notre syndicat de copropriété, je suis fréquemment confronté à une variété de documents et communications qui emploient divers acronymes et abréviations propres au secteur de la copropriété. Dans le but d'améliorer ma compréhension ainsi que celle des autres membres du conseil, et…...
12/02/2024
In compliance with its legal obligations to preserve the building, a syndicate of co-owners is frequently called upon to retain the services of contractors over the years to carry out, among other things, conversion work in the common portions. In this regard, the directors forming the board of directors of the syndicate…...
04/12/2023
When purchasing a new recently built condo or buying “off plan”, you will be compelled to sign a preliminary contract with the vendor (developer or builder). Before signing this contract you should insist that it provides a condition giving you the opportunity to carry out a due diligence to obtain…...
04/12/2023
The Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings differs from the private guarantee plans offered on the market by the nature of the guarantees offered and the mechanisms for asserting its rights. In this regard, the terms and conditions are set out in the the Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new…...
04/12/2023
Real estate developers who are not the holders of the appropriate license for the construction of the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec may have a legal existence, be listed in the yellow pages and advertise in newspapers or on the Web. However, before signing a preliminary contract for the purchase…...
04/12/2023
In 1999, the Government of Quebec introduced a Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings to protect the owners of new homes and certain condominiums. This regulation, prepared in the wake of the government guidelines proposed at the Summit on the Construction Industry in Quebec in the fall of…...
03/12/2023
When you buy in a newly built divided co-ownership, a portion of the fractions of the building (apartment, parking or storage space, etc.), or even all, can be the subject of a notice of legal hypothec of construction. The Civil Code of Quebec introduced this hypothec in order to protect…...
17/09/2023
For a little over two years now, we have been the proud owners of an apartment in a small co-ownership complex. I also have the honor of serving on the board of directors, allowing me to actively participate in the life and management of our community. At our annual co-ownership' meeting…...
02/10/2021
Until December 31, 2014, the mandatory warranty plan was administered by various organizations associated with the builders' associations, namely The APCHQ's New Home Warranty, The Abritât Guarantee Inc. and Qualité Habitation. In order to eliminate any appearance of conflict of interest, the Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential…...
26/09/2021
Le conseil de base en construction: s'assurer que l'entrepreneur qui sera retenu soit titulaire d'une licence de la Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Rappelons que quiconque exécute des travaux de construction ou en fait exécuter doit être titulaire d’une telle licence, à moins d’en être exempté par la Loi…...
21/06/2021
La Régie du bâtiment du Québec a fait l'objet d'un rapport accablant, au début du moins de juin, par le Vérificateur général du Québec. Un des problèmes soulevés touche les licences, que cet organisme délivre à tous les travailleurs de la construction....
27/12/2017
A co-owner carried out work on their terrace (a common portion for restricted use) without obtaining prior authorization from the board of directors. Since this work, leaks have been detected at the roof level, causing damage and posing risks to the building's integrity. This situation illustrates the limitations of co-owners'…...