Condo Ownership in Gatineau: The Buyer's Guide
Quebec's condo rules have changed a lot with Bill 16 and its regulation, in force since August 14, 2025. Before buying a condo in Gatineau, here's what matters.
What is divided co-ownership?
You own your unit, the private portion, and you co-own the common portions with the others: halls, parking, roof, land. The syndicate of co-owners runs the building and its finances.
Condo fees
They pay for the building's insurance, upkeep of the common portions, administration and the contingency fund. Depending on the building, they may also cover heating or hot water. They vary a lot from one building to another, so I always compare the syndicate's budget with the services provided.
The contingency fund: what changed
This fund pays for major repairs and replacement of common portions. Contributions are now set based on a contingency fund study, done by a professional and updated at least every 5 years. Existing syndicates have until August 15, 2028 to get their first study.
A maintenance log is also becoming mandatory, with the same deadline. It plans major work over at least 25 years.
Which document should you ask for before buying?
The certificate on the condition of the co-ownership. It's requested by the seller from the syndicate, which must provide it within 15 days. Among other things, it shows the contingency fund balance and the balance the study recommends, the current budget, the insurance and the highest deductible, planned major work and ongoing litigation.
I also ask for the minutes of the meetings and the declaration of co-ownership. They show the rules on renting, pets and renovations, and any special assessments voted or discussed.
My advice
A gap between the fund's balance and the balance recommended by the study often means higher fees or a special assessment. We look at it together before setting the price of your offer.
Sources: Government of Quebec, divided co-ownership measures (updated May 22, 2026). Société d'habitation du Québec, explanatory guide to divided co-ownership measures (August 2025). Regulation establishing various rules respecting divided co-ownership, O.C. 991-2025.
Yanis Gauthier-Sigeris, RE/MAX real estate broker in the Outaouais for over 9 years. Over 300 completed transactions in the region.