Definition : Legal hypothec - Legal hypothec of the syndicate of co-owners

Certains copropriétaires expérimentent l'hypothèque légale de la construction. Elle signifie qu'après avoir acheté l'appartement convoité, ils devront assumer les honoraires des sous-traitants que le constructeur n'a pas payé.

The syndicate of co-owners must, to meet the expenses arising from the co-ownership and the operation of the immovable, collect from its members the necessary sums. It is therefore essential that the co-owners meet their financial obligations on an ad hoc basis. However, the failure to pay general or special  common expenses (condo fees) is one of the most contentious co-ownership’s issues. The role of the board of directors in this matter is paramount, it is up to it to collect the debts of the syndicate. Unless this task is delegated to the condo manager. The syndicate must therefore take the necessary steps to collect the unpaid sums.  A review of the options in such cases.

You move into your new condo. A few weeks later, a bailiff knocks on your door and serves upon you a notice of preservation of a legal hypothec of construction. He also served all your neighbors. Reading this document, you learn that a dispute remains unresolved between the contractor and a supplier (or subcontractor), concerning work performed or materials furnished that have not been paid by the contractor. Often, these problems are resolved through the developer. But sometimes, a co-owners must institute legal proceedings for the cancelation of a legal hypothec from his title.  

Les charges communes doivent être payées par le copropriétaire de l’unité d’habitation. S'il ne paie pas, il est considéré comme défaillant, ou « en défaut de paiement ». Des recours existent pour cela. Toutefois, d'autres situations, plus rares, peuvent se présenter et doivent être envisagées.

The notary is a jurist with the task of public officer, who ascertains the free and informed consent of the parties. The notary also has the role of legal adviser. It therefore protects consent. The intervention of the notary is very important when purchasing an apartment in a divided co-ownership. A professional, he is a member of the “Chambre des notaires du Québec” (Québec Chamber of Notaries). In this capacity, the notary's mission  is to receive, on behalf of his clients, the acts to which the parties must or want to have given the character of authenticity (such as  a declaration of co-ownership). Even though it is preferable that he should get involved at the outset of a transaction, this legal adviser usually gets involved  after the signing of the offer to purchase or of the preliminary contract.