Definition : Common expenses (condo fees) - General common expenses

I want to know how the condo fees (common expenses) appearing in the ads of real estate agencies are established. These are not constant and put a doubt in the minds of those who want to buy in condominiums. Question: Is there a uniform directive in real estate agencies in this area? What advice should a real estate broker give to his client when he assists him in completing the form of the declaration of seller ? Some vendors report all costs, others report only current expenses (e.g., maintenance, operation and administration expenses of common portions). These two ways of doing things can vary the amount of condo fees by 300%, which can represent significant amounts for a buyer.

Les charges communes, que plusieurs appellent "frais de condo", doivent être payées à temps par tous les copropriétaires, ce qui contribuera à maintenir la bonne santé financière d'une copropriété.

The co-ownership 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. General common expenses are to be distinguished from particular common expenses, which are allocated under different rules. In the first case, it is the relative value of each fraction that is used to establish the co-owners contribution. As for particular common expenses arising from common portions for restricted use, the co-owners using them are alone responsible of the expenses resulting therefrom.

Before buying the apartment of your dreams, find out about the status of the common expenses associated with it, especially those that may have remained unpaid by the seller. Common expenses, better known as " condo fees", which you will have to pay once you become a homeowner, are an essential component to consider. They correspond to the current expenses that you will have to pay regularly for the operation, the administration of the co-ownership and the maintenance of the common portions. Each co-owner participates and generally pays them at the beginning of each month.  

Three months ago, we were called to the annual general meeting of co-owners during which co-owners were consulted on the budget forecast. However since the AGM, we have not received a notice from the Board detailing the amount of our contribution to our co-ownership’s operating budget. Questions: Isn’t the syndicate required to send a notice of assessment for common expenses? If so, what should it provide?