Deluxco offers five budget tips for Quebec condo boards

As Quebec condo syndicates begin preparing next year’s budgets, Deluxco is urging boards to use a more disciplined process as insurance, repair and reserve costs rise. The firm says clearer planning and communication can help keep budgets realistic and easier for condo owners to understand.

Why it matters: - Condo budgets directly affect monthly fees, reserve funding and the timing of building repairs. - In Quebec, boards also have to align budgets with stricter legal requirements under the Civil Code and the updated Loi 16 framework. - Better budgeting can reduce special assessments, lower conflict with owners and help protect property values.

What happened: - Deluxco, a Quebec-based condominium management firm, released five budget reflexes for condo boards as many syndicates start work on the next fiscal year. - The guidance is aimed at helping volunteer board members prepare a budget that is realistic, transparent and easier for owners to understand. - The firm said it has worked with more than 200 condo syndicates. - Deluxco also pointed owners and boards to its services page at the company’s services page.

The details: - Quebec condo boards are responsible for determining the amounts needed for common expenses and, after consulting owners, setting each owner’s contribution. - Deluxco said boards should start with actual results by comparing the prior year’s budget with financial statements and spending line by line. - Deluxco said boards should use the maintenance log to spread preventive work and major repairs over time instead of relying on emergency special assessments. - Deluxco said reserve fund contributions should be adjusted based on the reserve study so costs are shared fairly across current and future owners. - Deluxco said boards should review contracts for insurance, cleaning, snow removal and elevators, and use clear bidding processes to reduce conflicts of interest and improve protection in disputes. - Deluxco said boards should call the owners’ meeting on time and include a clear agenda and easy-to-read budget document with the notice. - The company said taking time to answer questions at meetings helps build trust and reduce tension. - Deluxco said its management team prepares draft budgets with boards, handles bookkeeping and payment tracking, monitors the reserve fund, coordinates vendors and supports administrators through the assembly. - Deluxco said it keeps contracts, financial statements and meeting minutes up to date and accessible. - Deluxco said it can maintain separate accounting for semi-commercial buildings to properly allocate expenses.

Between the lines: - The timing of the release reflects rising pressure on condo boards as insurance premiums, deductibles and construction costs climb. - The August 14, 2025, entry into force of the Loi 16 regulation is pushing syndicates toward more formal planning through maintenance logs and reserve studies. - Deluxco is positioning itself as a guide for boards that want more structure, less budget surprise and fewer disputes at annual meetings. - Jessica Marcotte, cofounder of Deluxco, said the firm’s role is to help boards present numbers that are clear, justified and realistic.

What’s next: - Existing condos have until August 2028 to complete the transition to the new maintenance log and reserve study requirements. - As that deadline approaches, more boards are likely to face pressure to raise reserve contributions or revise their spending priorities. - Deluxco said its broader goal is to support boards with tailored solutions and ongoing financial oversight.

The bottom line: - Condo budget season in Quebec is becoming more technical, more regulated and more expensive, which raises the value of disciplined planning and plain-language communication.