Date published: 19/02/2025

The impact of changing regulations on the management of co-ownerships

Over the past few years, the legislative environment governing co-ownership has been considerably strengthened, requiring co-ownership syndicates to be more rigorous in managing their buildings. Laws such as Bill 16 and Bill 141 have transformed practices by establishing increased requirements in terms of maintenance, financial planning and governance. This development requires a more professional structuring of co-ownership management and redefines the role of volunteer directors as well as managers.

Increased professionalization of property management

The new regulations aim to ensure more rigorous and transparent management of co-ownerships, requiring syndicates to structure themselves and adopt more professional practices. Among the major changes, Law 16 will impose, with the incessant entry into force of its regulation, the establishment of a mandatory maintenance log, rigorous planning of major works as well as increased monitoring of legal obligations.
These new requirements require a level of expertise and an increased workload, which complicates the role of volunteer directors. It is therefore imperative for syndicates to surround themselves with property management experts capable of supporting them in the application of these new standards and in the development of long-term management strategies.

Increased requirements for administrator training

The multiplication of legal and administrative responsibilities requires directors to develop a thorough understanding of the obligations incumbent on them. It is no longer just a matter of approving budgets or supervising the maintenance of common areas. Faced with these increasing requirements, training is becoming a central issue. Organizations such as the RGCQ play a key role in providing specialized training to syndicate directors, allowing them to acquire the essential knowledge for effective governance. However, this training, although valuable, does not replace the support of a qualified manager, capable of taking charge of the technical and financial aspects of the syndicate.

The integration of technologies and compliance tools

With the increase in legal and administrative obligations, the digitalization of condominium management has become a necessity. Syndicates must now rely on high-performance technological tools to ensure efficient management that complies with new requirements.
For example, solutions such as HOODI software allow syndicates to:

  • Centralize and secure all essential documents (minutes, budgets, contracts, etc.).
  • Manage their maintenance logbook in compliance with the new regulations that will come into force shortly.
  • Automate certain administrative processes to lighten the workload of managers and administrators.

In addition, at Lafrance et Mathieu, we have developed and/or implemented innovative technological tools to support our clients in this digital transition:

  • A dedicated customer area, offering real-time access to condominium documents and communications with the manager.
  • A payment and invoice management portal, allowing administrators to validate each transaction and transparently monitor the syndicate's finances.
  • Task and maintenance logbook tracking software, facilitating collaboration between administrators and managers and ensuring compliance with legal obligations (Hoodi digital maintenance logbook).

An essential transition towards more professional and transparent management

The evolution of regulations only accentuates the need for more structured and professional management of condominiums. Volunteer administrators must now deal with increasingly complex obligations, making support from an experienced manager essential.
At Lafrance et Mathieu, we have adapted to these new realities by developing a multidisciplinary and proactive approach. Thanks to a specialized team and cutting-edge technological tools, we support co-ownership syndicates in applying the new standards, while optimizing their management and ensuring the sustainability of their building.
Far from being a constraint, these legislative developments represent an opportunity for syndicates to strengthen the governance of their building and ensure better long-term financial and operational planning.

 

Guillaume Leblond, Vice-President Finance and Administration

Lafrance et Mathieu
1220 Boulevard Lebourgneuf
Office 150
Québec (Québec)  G2K 2G4
Tel. : (418) 626-5500 #225
E-mail : [email protected]

Guillaume Leblond, Lafrance et Mathieu
Chroniqueur
Guillaume Leblond, Lafrance et Mathieu