Special Assessment Calculator

Calculate each co-owner's share for a special project. Free.

What is a special assessment in a condo?

A special assessment is an exceptional amount that co-owners must pay to finance major or unexpected work that exceeds the available contingency fund. Common projects include roof replacement, parking lot repair, elevator upgrades, or structural work. The assessment is distributed among co-owners according to their fractional shares (quotes-parts) as defined in the declaration of co-ownership. This free calculator lets you quickly estimate each unit's share and explore installment options.

Legal framework for special assessments in Quebec

In Quebec, a special assessment must be voted at a co-owners' meeting, generally by majority of votes cast. The syndicate has a legal hypothec on fractions in default of payment (article 2729 of the Civil Code). Bill 16, adopted in 2019, aims precisely to reduce the need for special assessments by requiring syndicates to maintain an adequate contingency fund based on a professional study.

Project cost

Amount the syndicate can use from the contingency fund to reduce the special assessment.

Units & distribution

Edit unit numbers to match your condo.

Payment plan

Payment plan

Results

Net assessment

$100,000

Average per unit

$8,333

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Per-unit breakdown

Unit #Fraction%Lump sum
Unit 10118.3%$8,333
Unit 10218.3%$8,333
Unit 10318.3%$8,333
Unit 10418.3%$8,333
Unit 10518.3%$8,333
Unit 10618.3%$8,333
Unit 10718.3%$8,333
Unit 10818.3%$8,333
Unit 10918.3%$8,333
Unit 11018.3%$8,333
Unit 11118.3%$8,333
Unit 11218.3%$8,333

Frequently asked questions about special assessments

What is a special assessment?

A special assessment is a one-time amount requested from co-owners to finance major work that cannot be covered by the contingency fund. It is voted at a co-owners' meeting and distributed according to each unit's fractional share.

How is each co-owner's share calculated?

Each co-owner's share is calculated proportionally to their fractional share (quote-part) as registered in the declaration of co-ownership. For example, a unit with 15% of the fractions will pay 15% of the special assessment.

Can the syndicate offer installments?

Yes. The syndicate can offer an installment plan to facilitate payment. It can also charge interest on installments, which must be provided for in the resolution adopted at the meeting.

What if a co-owner doesn't pay?

The syndicate has a legal hypothec on the fraction of the defaulting co-owner (article 2729 of the Civil Code). After formal notice, the syndicate can register this hypothec and eventually proceed with forced sale of the unit.

How to avoid special assessments?

The best way to avoid special assessments is to maintain an adequately funded contingency fund. A contingency fund study (mandatory under Bill 16) establishes the monthly contributions needed to cover upcoming work.

Manage your special assessments with CondoAide

Payment tracking, automatic reminders, and simplified accounting for your special projects.

How to interpret the results

The net assessment is the total project cost minus the available contingency fund balance. The per-unit breakdown shows each co-owner's share according to their fraction. If you choose an installment plan, the calculator adds simple interest to the total and divides by the number of months. A warning appears if any unit exceeds $25,000 — in that case, an installment plan is strongly recommended.

Next steps

Obtain multiple quotes to validate the estimated cost of your work. Present the scenarios (lump sum vs installments) to your co-owners' meeting. Vote the resolution with the chosen payment plan. To simplify payment tracking and reminders, CondoAide offers dedicated tools for managing special assessments.

CondoAide is a management and information tool. It does not provide professional advice within the meaning of the Engineers Act, the Professional Code, or any other applicable legislation. Consult a qualified professional for any decision regarding your condominium.