Questions / Answers - Management of condominiums

  For several years, one or more wasp nests have been housed in the façade of our building. Two co-owners use cheap products to eliminate them, with no conclusive long-term results. I want to hire a professional exterminator to eradicate the problem. Question:  Who is responsible for removing wasp nests if only one co-owner is inconvenienced?    

Our Board of Directors considers entrusting part of the administrative management of the syndicate to an external manager. In order to reduce the risk of fraud, a criminal history certificate is included in our selection criteria. Also, proof of liability insurance from the manager is verified so that it is sufficient in the event of errors or omissions on his part. Another selection criterion is a manager who is a member of the Ordre des administrateurs agréés (ADMA). Question: Should directors only appoint a condominium manager with no criminal record and membership in ADMA?

We are concerned about the comings and goings of strangers in our building. This concern is all the more justified by the fact that some of our co-owners rent without right, for short periods, to travelers (Airbnb-type rental). Question: Can the Board of Directors ask to see a tenant's id in order to certify that he is who he claims to be?

At our last annual co-owner's meeting, the board of directors informed us that it was going to take $10,000 from our contingency fund to set up a self-insurance fund. To justify their decision, the directors said that this will allow to avoid putting up a special assessment. Several co-owners seemed to agree. Question: Can the board unilaterally decide to use part of the sums accumulated in the contingency fund to set up a self-insurance fund without consulting or obtaining the approval of the co-owners? And if so is this a good way to manage the funds of our co-ownership?

 At our last Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors presented the estimated budget for the coming year. This budget provided for a substantial increase of the common expenses, as significant work was to be carried out during the year to upgrade the elevator. Many co-owners did not agree with this decision, but the budget was passed anyway! I really had the impression that during this meeting, the will of a majority of co-owners was not taken into consideration. Question: What is the power of the co-owners meeting with respect to the vote on the budget? Can it vote against an increase in common charges?

Question: We would like to know if the law requires having our syndicate’s financial statements audited by an accountant.

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?

I must quickly consult some documents in the register and records of my co-ownership, including the plans of the immovable. I need to respond to a contractor   from whom I asked for a quote for work in my apartment. Well there it is, the directors refuse to give me access before Monday at 2 PM. And, to add insult to injury, they want to collect $ 30, in addition to the cost of photocopies! Question: Do they have the right to impose these access limitations to the register and to collect a fee? After all, these documents are the property of all co-owners, including me.