Article 1683 CCQ - Merger of creditor and debtor

Article 1683 provides that where the qualities of creditor and debtor are united in the same person, confusion occurs and the obligation is extinguished. If the confusion ceases, its effects cease as well.

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What it means for your syndicate

In co-ownership, a syndicate that itself holds a fraction cannot bill that fraction its common expenses: it would be both the creditor and the debtor, and the obligation is extinguished.

The budget charges are then apportioned among the paying co-owners, in proportion to their relative values, without creating a phantom receivable in the name of the syndicate.

CondoAide issues no billing for a syndicate-held fraction: no assessment notice, no outstanding balance, no late interest.

Official text of the article

The official, up-to-date text of article 1683 is published by the Éditeur officiel du Québec. CondoAide only provides a plain-language summary here.

Last verified on July 13, 2026. CondoAide is not a legal authority and does not replace professional advice. If there is any discrepancy, the official Civil Code text prevails.

Manage your co-ownership with confidence

CondoAide helps self-managed Quebec syndicates keep their register, finances and meetings aligned with the Civil Code.