Questions / Answers - legal aspects for condominiums

A disaster occurred in the dwelling of a co-owner in the basement because of water infiltration caused by a crack in the concrete wall. Building insurance does not cover this type of loss. The syndicate quickly had the crack repaired. In terms of damage to the interior of the dwelling, some of the damage is to improvements (flooring) and some to basic structures (plaster walls). The co-owner refuses to call on his insurer to separate the costs of the syndicate and co-owner and insists that the syndicate pay for all repairs since he does not want to increase his insurance premiums. Question: Is he entitled to do that? Especially since the dwelling was uninhabited for two years before the co-owner built up that there was a little water on its floor during heavy rains. It seems to me that there is negligence on his part, perhaps there has been infiltration for some time and that it should not be the syndicate's responsibility to pay for all these repair costs.

A co-owner made complaints against me to the syndicate of co-ownership. I asked for a list of complaints about me to find out exactly what I am accused of. I had a refusal as an answer. Question: How can I access this information? Which form do I need to fill out? Who do I contact if the syndicate does not cooperate?

My upstairs neighbor set up bird feeder on her balcony. However, this attracts a lot of birds that make droppings on my balcony, causes an unpleasant sound noise (blue jays), and my cats who are used to going to the balcony catch the birds and eat them. Also, I fear that in the long term, we will find ourselves having problems with some rodents and / or early breakage due to droppings. For my neighbor, it is out of the question that she removes her feeders, under the pretext that it is to preserve the mental health of her cats and herself. Question: Is there a law or rule in this area, as nothing is mentioned in the declaration of co-ownership on this subject?

New co-owners have recently moved in. They cook a lot, a lot, with a lot of spices and other condiments. As soon as it gets out of the elevator an intense smell runs through the entire corridor. It is unbearable. Question: Is there a regulation/section of law regarding this inconvenience?

We would like to know what our rights are with respect to the members of the board of directors. We asked them on more than one occasion, a copy of the minutes of our last meeting of co-owners (which took place three months ago). Under article 1102.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec, the board of directors must send the co-owners the minutes of any meeting of the co-owners within 30 days of the meeting. Despite these demands, the directors turn a deaf ear. We have decided to stop paying our common expenses until we get what we are asking for. Question: But is it okay to have to make such a request every time the  board does not give us a follow-up?

We are only two co-owners and directors. When I arrived a year ago, there was no management of the co-ownership, no assembly. I have held two meetings for a year and informed the other co-owner of the legislation in terms of co-ownership and the existence of the declaration of co-ownership, the latter having no notion on this subject. In addition, a year ago, I told him that his balcony needed to be repaired since it was flowing (rust) on my patio. Each co-owner must see to the maintenance of the balcony and patio. He mentioned to me that he was aware that it had been in this state for at least 4 years. I was afraid that the balcony would collapse this winter with the weight of the snow. We are the two signatories on the account. Therefore, I could not undertake the work on behalf of the syndicate. Questions: What can I do to require the work to be done quickly? Send him a formal notice ? I may no longer have his collaboration at all, which is already difficult.

I am a co-owner in a co-ownership in phases of 10 syndicates of co-owners who share a grassy lot in common part. Until the arrival of young children in the condos the space was not very busy. Currently it is the regular meeting place for children and their parents (end of the day during the week and weekends depending on the temperature). The temporary installation of inflatable games and water games (stored after each use) attracts several children from the neighborhood and consequently increases the noise level. Many homeowners who live nearby complain about the noise and use of this space. In our declaration of co-ownership, it is mentioned that the tranquility of all co-owners must be respected.

Our declaration of co-ownership provides that the gardens are common portions for restricted use, like the balconies. One of the co-owners, having the exclusive use of a garden, has taken the initiative over the years to make improvements (e.g.: addition of flowerbeds, removal of certain parts of the turf, addition of cedars or other elements, etc.), and this without the prior authorization of the syndicate. However, the board of directors at the time did not object to such work. Questions: Can the new board of directors ask him to restore the premises? Does the concept of vested right acquired by tolerance exist in co-ownership?

Since last fall, work to complete the construction of our building has been stopped, while buyers of the top floor units were supposed to move in in December.  Question: Faced with the refusal of a developer or builder to complete the construction of the building, can the syndicate of co-ownership or any co-owner act in any way to either compel the builder to complete the work or obtain compensation?

A co-owner has placed a satellite dish on his balcony, while the declaration of co-ownership prohibits it. Question: What should the board do in this situation?