Certificate of location in Québec: what it is, who pays and how long it's valid

• Selling costs and proceeds at the notary

• Seller declarations and disclosure obligations in Quebec.

According to Québec.ca, the certificate is prepared by a land surveyor who is an OAGQ member. It consists of a plan and report giving the surveyor’s opinion on the property’s situation relative to titles, encroachments and applicable laws and regulations. The seller generally provides it to the buyer.

It may reveal compliance with municipal rules, the actual property line, servitudes or rights of way, and flood or landslide zones.

• Check a Gatineau home’s flood-zone status.

There is no expiry date in law. However, the certificate stops reflecting reality when the property, regulations or lot number change. Éducaloi says it is valid until such a change or until it is 10 years old; the Chambre des notaires generally considers one aged 10 years or more outdated.

A lender may require a more recent document. The notary decides whether the certificate is suitable for the transaction: age is not the only thing to check.

According to DuProprio, a pool, shed, extension, fences, cladding, a new lot number after cadastral renewal or new by-laws usually require a new certificate.

Payment depends on the promise to purchase. The seller usually provides the certificate. If the buyer or lender requires a new document for an unchanged property, the buyer often pays. Have the terms of your promise checked rather than assuming one rule applies to every sale.

The OAGQ’s 2026 suggested fee guide lists about $1,630 (taxes not included) for an urban single-family home. This is a suggested fee, not a guaranteed price: actual prices vary by file.

The usual delay is 4 to 6 weeks. The notary should receive the document well before signing.

Order the certificate as soon as you decide to sell, given the usual 4-to-6-week delay. Check with the notary whether your existing document still reflects the property and applicable rules.

• Prepare to sell in Gatineau.

According to DuProprio, title insurance can sometimes replace an updated certificate if the notary accepts it. It does not cover everything, including some boundary issues.

Speak with your notary and broker before removing conditions. Have the exact clause reviewed if the sale is without legal warranty.

• Understand a sale without legal warranty in Québec.