Definition : Association of co-ownership syndicates

Article 1083 of the Civil Code of Quebec allows syndicates of co-owners to regroup within an association. More of an incentive than a creator of rights, this article aims to encourage syndicates to come together to share, in particular, the cost of certain common services. The latter can thus pool resources for the maintenance and conservation of their immovable. By seeking strength in numbers, the united syndicates of co-owners can devise effective strategies to better cope with some common expenses and achieve economies of scale. The legislator did not consider it appropriate to further regulate this type of association, since it can enact its own rules, according to its particular needs and objectives. Syndicates of co-owners may thus, at any time, decide to form an association. Similarly, at any time a syndicate of co-owners may join existing association.

The powers of the syndicate are designed according to the collective interest of the co-owners and find their limits in respect of the individual rights of the co-owners guaranteed by the declaration of co-ownership and by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (e.g.: the inviolability of the home). These powers of the syndicate are based on four principles: the preservation of the immovable, the administration of the common portions, the protection of the collective rights and the amendments to the declaration of co-ownership. For this, he must ensure the maintenance in good condition of use and enjoyment of all the common portions. The syndicate may also take legal action against a co-owner. The Civil Code of Quebec gives the syndicate of co-owners extensive powers to administer the co-ownership.