Free resource

Condo document checklist before buying

Before you lift your conditions, know exactly which documents to request and which red flags to watch for. Free, Quebec-specific checklist, ready to print.

What you get

Buying a condo means buying management.

A beautiful unit in a poorly managed building is still a bad buy. Before you sign, you have the right to review the co-ownership documents — and this checklist tells you exactly what to ask for, in what order, and what should set off alarms.

  • Co-ownership documents — declaration, by-laws, restricted common portions (balcony, parking, storage).
  • Financial health — financial statements, reserve fund and its study, history of fee increases.
  • Special assessments & legal issues — past, voted, expected, lawsuits in progress.
  • Insurance — deductibles, water damage, syndicate vs. owner responsibility split.
  • Major components & upcoming work — roof, envelope, balconies, garage, mechanical systems.
  • Decision worksheet + questions to ask before lifting conditions, and the red flags not to ignore.
Ready-to-use PDF. Save it, print it and share it with your broker or notary. This checklist does not replace an inspection, legal or notarial review, or a specialist's opinion.

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Why it's decisive

The documents say more than the showing.

A unit can look immaculate while the co-ownership is in trouble. Conversely, an ordinary condo in a well-managed, well-funded building with no disputes is often a far better buy. The co-ownership documents — finances, reserve fund, meeting minutes, insurance — tell the story the showing does not.

The most telling item is the reserve fund and its study. An underfunded fund, or a missing or old study, often signals special assessments: thousands of dollars that can land after the purchase. Past and voted special assessments, lawsuits in progress, and insurance deductibles (especially for water damage) complete the picture.

The checklist keeps you from forgetting a key document under the pressure of an offer. It pairs naturally with a condo inspection, which documents the physical condition of the unit and accessible common areas. Documents + inspection: you decide with the full picture.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions —
condo documents.

What documents should I request before buying a condo in Quebec?+
At minimum: the declaration of co-ownership and building by-laws, the financial statements, the reserve fund balance and study, the meeting minutes, the maintenance log, the insurance policies, and the history of special assessments. The checklist groups all of this by section.
What is the reserve fund and why does it matter?+
The reserve (contingency) fund pays for future major work such as the roof, facade and balconies. A low fund or a missing or old study can signal large special assessments for owners. It is one of the most telling indicators of a co-ownership's health.
Does a condo inspection review the co-ownership documents?+
The inspection documents the physical condition of the unit and the accessible common areas. Document review and legal advice are up to you, your broker and your notary. The checklist helps you organize that document review alongside the inspection.
Can I share the checklist with my broker or notary?+
Yes. The PDF is designed to be saved, printed and shared with your broker, notary or anyone involved in your decision.
Does the checklist replace an inspection?+
No. It is an organizing tool for the buyer. It does not replace a professional inspection, legal or notarial review, or evaluation by a specialist where required.
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