It's usually the first question buyers ask: how much will I pay in condo fees each month? And the honest answer is that it depends. A lot.
But "it depends" isn't useful when you're shopping for an apartment. Here's what the numbers actually show.
Realistic Ranges in Quebec
For a standard unit in Montreal or other Quebec cities, here's what you see in practice:
| Building Type | Typical Monthly Fees |
|---|---|
| Small building (2–6 units) | $150 – $350 |
| Standard urban building (7–30 units) | $300 – $600 |
| Large building with amenities (30+ units) | $500 – $1,200+ |
| Building with gym, concierge, indoor parking | $700 – $2,000+ |
These figures generally include building insurance, common area maintenance, and contributions to the contingency fund.
What Actually Moves the Number
Building age is the most underestimated factor. A building constructed in the 1980s with no serious contingency fund study may have had artificially low fees for years — until a roof or heating system fails and everyone receives a special assessment they weren't expecting.
Unit count divides fixed costs. A 4-unit building with an elevator splits that elevator across four owners. A 40-unit building splits it forty ways. It's straightforward math, but it explains why smaller buildings often have higher per-unit fees.
Included services change everything. Heated indoor parking, pool, fitness room, concierge — each service carries operating and maintenance costs that roll into the monthly fee.
The contingency fund is what buyers overlook most. Bill 16 now requires Quebec syndicates to maintain an adequate contingency fund, based on an actuarial study. For buildings that were underfunded in the past, that means significant increases ahead.
Why Fees Have Been Going Up
Two main reasons.
First, inflation on maintenance and insurance costs. Building insurance premiums have risen sharply in several Quebec regions since 2020.
Second, Bill 16. Phased in since 2019, this law requires syndicates to commission a contingency fund study and maintain minimum contributions. Buildings that underfunded their reserves for years now have to catch up — and that shows up in monthly fees.
How to Tell if a Building's Fees Are Reasonable
Low fees aren't necessarily good news. They can signal an underfunded contingency fund, deferred maintenance, or underestimated expenses. High fees aren't always a red flag either.
Before buying, ask to see:
- Financial statements from the last two years
- The contingency fund study (mandatory under Bill 16)
- The syndicate attestation
These documents will tell you whether the building is on solid financial footing — or whether you're buying a future special assessment without knowing it.
Calculate Your Building's Situation
If you're a condo board administrator or you want to understand a building's financial health, CondoAide offers free Bill 16-compliant tools:
- Condo Fee Calculator → — Estimate monthly fees per unit based on fractional shares
- Contingency Fund Calculator → — Assess your contingency fund's financial health
CondoAide is a Quebec platform that helps condo syndicates manage their contingency fund and stay compliant with Bill 16.