Work in a dwelling unit

Before carrying out any renovation work, the co-owner must ensure that the work will affect only his private portion. It is common for the walls between the bathroom and the kitchen to contain pipes, for example, and therefore be part of the common portions. Caution should be exercised when a co-owner wishes to carry out renovations, particularly in the kitchen or bathroom. Restrictions could apply.

Most declarations of co-ownership provide that co-owners must seek approval from the board of directors of the syndicate before performing any work on their unit. A syndicate cannot unreasonably refuse work being done on a co-owner’s unit. However, when analyzing the plans for the work intended by the co-owner, the syndicate can make sure that the destination of the immovable will be respected (particularly as regards soundproofing between units), that the integrity and solidity of the immovable will not be compromised, and that the common portions will not be modified as a result.