Contingency Fund Calculator

Estimate your contributions to better prepare for your professional study.

What is a contingency fund?

A contingency fund (fonds de prévoyance) is a mandatory financial reserve for every condo in Quebec. It finances major repairs and replacement of common elements: roofing, windows, plumbing, elevators, parking, etc. Unlike the operating fund (which covers day-to-day expenses), the contingency fund is dedicated to significant future expenditures. Proper planning avoids unexpected special assessments that can represent thousands of dollars per co-owner. This calculator lets you estimate the contributions needed based on your building's actual components.

Bill 16 and the contingency fund

Adopted in 2019, Bill 16 imposes new obligations on Quebec condominiums. By August 14, 2028, every syndicate must obtain a contingency fund study conducted by a qualified professional, then update it every 5 years. Until this study is completed, the law requires a minimum contribution of 5% of the annual operating budget to the contingency fund. This contribution must be maintained even if it exceeds the usual amount. Additionally, Bill 16 requires a maintenance log detailing the condition and upkeep of all common elements. Directors who fail to comply face potential sanctions. Our calculator helps you verify whether your current contributions are sufficient and prepare for your professional study.

Building Profile

Building Profile

Units & distribution

Edit unit numbers to match your condo.

Financial Parameters

Financial Parameters

Optional. Used to check the minimum 5% threshold required by Bill 16.

Building Components (11)

Building Components(11)

Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining2 Useful life
Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining9 Useful life
Remaining9 Useful life
Remaining4 Useful life
Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining1 Useful life
Remaining5 Useful life

Projection Parameters

Projection Parameters

Results

INDICATIVE ESTIMATE ONLY

This tool provides an indicative estimate. It does not constitute a reserve fund study as defined by Bill 16 and does not replace the advice of a qualified professional (engineer, architect, chartered appraiser, professional technologist, or CPA).

To comply with Bill 16, you must engage a member of a recognized professional order.

Find a professional
5/100
Insufficient
Contribution < 5% of budget

Annual contribution is below 5% of operating budget

Recommended monthly contribution

$5,140

Total (all units)

Per-unit contribution

$857

Average per unit

Gap vs. current contribution

+$4,940 / mo

The fund goes into deficit in 2027 at current contributions.

Total projected expenditures

$554,521

Minimum projected balance

-$586,058

Component Timeline

Roofing
1 yrs
Windows
2 yrs
Exterior Siding
1 yrs
Heating System
1 yrs
Plumbing
9 yrs
Electrical System
9 yrs
Parking
4 yrs
Balconies
1 yrs
Interior Common Areas
1 yrs
Intercom / Entry
1 yrs
Landscaping
5 yrs
> 10 yrs5-10 yrs< 5 yrs

Projection Chart

Detailed Cash Flow

Year-by-year projection based on your parameters. Red rows indicate a deficit.

YearStart BalanceContributionsReturnsExpendituresEnd Balance
2026$25,000$2,400$500-$27,900
2027$27,900$2,472$558($152,440)-$121,510
2028-$121,510$2,546-$2,430($47,741)-$169,135
2029-$169,135$2,623-$3,383--$169,895
2030-$169,895$2,701-$3,398($56,275)-$226,867
2031-$226,867$2,782-$4,537($11,593)-$240,215
2032-$240,215$2,866-$4,804--$242,154
2033-$242,154$2,952-$4,843--$244,045
2034-$244,045$3,040-$4,881--$245,886
2035-$245,886$3,131-$4,918($65,238)-$312,910
2036-$312,910$3,225-$6,258--$315,943
2037-$315,943$3,322-$6,319--$318,940
2038-$318,940$3,422-$6,379--$321,897
2039-$321,897$3,524-$6,438--$324,810
2040-$324,810$3,630-$6,496($12,101)-$339,777
2041-$339,777$3,739-$6,796--$342,833
2042-$342,833$3,851-$6,857--$345,838
2043-$345,838$3,967-$6,917--$348,788
2044-$348,788$4,086-$6,976($17,024)-$368,702
2045-$368,702$4,208-$7,374($70,141)-$442,009
2046-$442,009$4,335-$8,840--$446,515
2047-$446,515$4,465-$8,930--$450,981
2048-$450,981$4,599-$9,020--$455,402
2049-$455,402$4,737-$9,108--$459,773
2050-$459,773$4,879-$9,195($121,968)-$586,058

Per-Unit Breakdown

Unit #FractionOperating ExpensesContingency FundTotal Condo FeeRecommended ReserveDifference
Unit 1011.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33
Unit 1021.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33
Unit 1031.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33
Unit 1041.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33
Unit 1051.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33
Unit 1061.00$833.33$33.33$866.67$856.67+$823.33

Download your full report

Get a detailed PDF report with all projections, component inventory, and recommendations.

  • Executive summary with health score
  • Detailed 25-year cash flow
  • Component inventory and replacement timeline
  • Recommendations and next steps

Used by 2 board members

Quebec condo syndicates trust this tool to plan their contingency fund.

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Frequently asked questions about contingency funds

What is a contingency fund?

A contingency fund (fonds de prévoyance) is a mandatory financial reserve for all condos in Quebec. It finances major repairs and replacement of common elements (roof, elevator, parking, etc.).

What is the minimum required by Bill 16?

Bill 16 requires every condo to contribute at least 5% of its annual budget to the contingency fund. This minimum must be maintained until a contingency fund study establishes an adequate amount.

How does this calculator work?

The calculator uses the cash flow method: it projects your contributions, returns, and replacement expenditures over 25 years. It then calculates the minimum contribution needed to avoid a deficit.

What is a fractional share (quote-part)?

The fractional share is the condo fraction assigned to each unit in the declaration of co-ownership. It determines the share of common expenses each co-owner must pay.

How are building components estimated?

Default components are pre-filled based on your building type and age. You can modify the costs, useful life, and condition of each component to reflect your actual situation.

What does the health score mean?

The health score (0-100) evaluates whether your fund can cover projected expenditures. A score of 75+ is healthy, 50-74 needs attention, and below 50 indicates significant underfunding.

When is a contingency fund study mandatory?

Since Bill 16, all condos must obtain a contingency fund study before August 14, 2028. This study must be conducted by a qualified professional and updated every 5 years.

Does this calculator replace a professional study?

No. This calculator provides a preliminary estimate. The study required by Bill 16 must be conducted by a professional who will assess the actual condition of each component of your building.

Your contingency fund needs immediate attention

Start planning now with CondoAide's tools to avoid special assessments.

How to interpret the results

The health score (0-100) is the key indicator. A score of 75 or above means your fund can cover projected expenditures without a deficit. Between 50 and 74, attention is needed: your contributions may be insufficient in the long run. Below 50, underfunding is significant and adjustments are urgent. The recommended monthly contribution is the minimum amount to maintain a positive balance throughout the projection period. The gap with your current contribution shows how much to adjust. The cash flow table shows year-by-year evolution, with replacement years highlighted. The component timeline identifies the most urgent replacements.

Next steps

If your health score is below 75, consider gradually increasing your monthly contributions. Prioritize urgent replacements (components in red). Obtain recent quotes for upcoming work and update the costs in the calculator. Finally, engage a professional for your contingency fund study before the 2028 deadline. CondoAide can help you track all of this automatically.

Calculation methodology

This calculator uses the cash flow method, commonly used in the industry. For each year of the projection, it adds contributions and returns, then subtracts replacement expenditures (adjusted for inflation). The recommended contribution is calculated via binary search: it is the minimum amount that keeps the fund balance positive throughout the period. Each component's condition adjusts its remaining useful life using recognized condition factors. Results are estimates and do not replace a professional study.

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.