All the FAQ Condolegal

  We often hear the words "condo", "condo fees", "purchase and sale of a condo" and "Condolegal.com". Question:  What is the origin of the word “condo” and what does it really mean?

Question: My front door must be replaced after a break-in. Am I responsible for paying the deductible (franchise) that the insurer of the syndicate refuses to pay?

Question: I am a co-owner. Can the syndicate of co-owners claim the amount of the deductible for the insurance if I am responsible for the water damage?

Water damage has just occurred in my private portion. Question: Should I call my insurer, my plumber or my lawyer?

Question: Can a co-owner require the board of directors to provide proof of the building’s insurance?

I have been a director for a few days. Question: Do I have the obligation to personally take out liability insurance?

I am a recent co-owner. The building I live in has 10 units. The contribution to contingency fund is substantial. In fact, it represents 20% of the budget of the co-ownership! That seems excessive. Question: Is there a ceiling to the amounts to be paid in the contingency fund   

  I have been living for a year in a condo I bought in a recently built building. To my surprise, there is still no contingency fund being funded. We pay the common expenses of the immovable monthly (maintenance, snow removal, condo insurance), but no 5% of the budget contribution to "Contingency fund". Yet, a lawyer friend told me it was mandatory! Question: Is this normal?

The co-owner of the apartment below ours uses the barbecue on his balcony almost daily. The smoke and smell of grilled meat are so strong that I no longer wish to use my balcony. These fumes force me to keep my patio door and my windows closed. Question: Are there legal provisions to assert my rights?

  I am constantly disturbed by noise in my condo, because its soundproofing is deficient. The co-owners living upstairs aggravate me, because of constant barking and loud music. My next door neighbour has the same problem with her neighbors above, who have recently installed hardwood floors! Question: What are our recourses to remedy this problem?