We’ve already talked about it: the world of condominiums is increasingly regulated. Just think of Law 141 on insurable value or Law 16 on the reserve fund study. But did you know there is also Law 122? Stay with us as we explore what Law 122 means for condominiums with Fawzi Ait-Chabane, Director of Client Relations at our partner, Groupe ABS!

Adopted on December 2, 2010, Law 122 aims to modernize building safety standards in Québec. It introduced several amendments to the Building Act, notably by strengthening safety rules and granting new powers to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Coming into effect on March 18, 2013, Law 122 made it mandatory to carry out periodic inspections of certain building components.

This law primarily applies to buildings of five or more storeys above ground and specifically concerns the condition of façades as well as multi-level parking garages, whether indoor or outdoor. The goal of Law 122 is to enhance public safety, prevent major deterioration, and promote preventive building maintenance.

Concretely, the law requires owners—and consequently condominium syndicates—to commission regular technical inspections by qualified professionals, either engineers or architects who are members of their professional order. These experts must perform a thorough examination of the façades and parking structures and produce an official, signed, and sealed report describing the condition of the components, any signs of deterioration, hazardous conditions, and recommended corrective measures.

In parallel, owners are required to carry out annual visual inspections, with all observations formally documented.

For façades, an initial detailed inspection must take place within ten years of construction, followed by inspections every five years thereafter. For multi-level parking garages, the first inspection must be conducted within five years of construction, and then repeated every five years as well. The purpose of these inspections is to detect defects that could compromise the safety of occupants or the public—such as cracks, water infiltration, or other signs of instability.

When issues are identified, the owner (and by extension, the condominium syndicate) must undertake the necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in administrative sanctions or fines imposed by the RBQ. This legal requirement reflects a broader intent to structure prevention and maintenance practices in co-ownership buildings, avoiding situations of neglect that could lead to serious incidents, as has unfortunately occurred in the past.

In short, Law 122 establishes a clear framework for the safe maintenance of condominiums by giving the RBQ greater supervisory powers and placing a formal responsibility on syndicates to keep their buildings in safe condition. It represents a significant advancement in the management of Québec’s residential real estate stock.

So, if you have any questions or need services related to Law 122, contact us. Our condominium specialists and renowned partners are here to provide you with solutions and the right service to meet your needs!