Definition : Insurance - Insurance certificate

Contrary to other jurisdiction, Québec Law does not compel a lessee to subscribe “home insurance” which, in the event of a loss, covers his property and his civil liability. This “negative-obligation” becomes a problem if your lessee causes damages to a third party and he is not insured. In such cases, the declaration of co-ownership can hold you (the co-owner) solidarily liable for the damages he has caused.   Civil liability Your lessee is liable for any damages he causes during the term of the rental. Civil liability insurance covers him against material damages or bodily harm he may inflict (unintentionally) to third parties, and against faults committed by persons he accommodates or lodges in his dwelling. This insurance also covers damages that his property may cause to third parties. For example, it will cover water damage to your apartment generated by an overflowing washing machine, and also in a neighbor’s apartment. 

The condo manager’s tasks are numerous. Therefore, his civil liability could be engaged. As a mandatary of the Syndicate of co-owners, the condo manager is required to fulfill the terms of his mandate. He is thus liable for damages that may result from the non-performance or improper execution of his mandate. This means that he incurs liability in two ways, in contractual civil liability towards the one who mandated him, namely the Syndicate of co-owners and in extracontractual civil liability towards a co-owner or a third party who would suffer damage as a result of a fault. It is therefore imperative that he takes out civil liability insurance for the duration of his service contract.  

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

A co-owner may be liable to the syndicate, the other co-owners and the occupants of the immovable. As stated in Article 1457 of the Civil Code of Québec, every person has a duty not to harm others. As a co-owner, you must be careful and abide to the appropriate rules of conduct in accordance with the context and circumstances. Otherwise, you engage your civil liability and are required to remedy (financially third parties for moral or property damage and  personal injury.Therefore, co-owners must take out civil liability insurance covering in particular claims arising from their private portion.