Certificate of localisation
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The certificate of localisation is a document that is certified by a land surveyor. It describes the property by presenting its general layout (e.g. lot, main building and outbuildings). It specifies the state of the property with respect to the laws and municipal by-laws in effect.
In principle, a certificate of localisation is valid as long as it reflects the current state of the property, for a maximum period of 10 years. A vital document in real estate transactions, this certificate must be provided by the seller.
If a change has been made to the property, to its lot number or to the municipal regulations, there is a good chance that a new document will be required. In any case, the notary determines whether a new certificate is needed.
Current state of the premises
For a certificate of localisation to accurately demonstrate the current state of the premises, no changes can have been made to the property since the document was produced. For example: the size of the building, the pool, the shed, the exterior cladding, the windows, the balconies and even the fences must not have been changed, moved or removed. Everything must be identical to the certificate of localisation you have in hand.
Lot number
If a certificate of localisation bears an old lot number and the cadastral reform was carried out in the municipality after the certificate was issued, the document is no longer valid.
Starting in the late 1990s, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, which is in charge of the Land Register of Quebec, began a cadastral reform. All properties in Quebec are being reassessed and have been or will be given a new seven-digit lot number (e.g. 1 234 567). Each property in Quebec will therefore have a unique number.
Laws and by-laws
When land surveyors produce a certificate of localisation, they notably check the laws and by-laws in effect in the municipality. If these have changed, the certificate will need to be updated.
DuProprio’s advice
Since legislative norms and surveyors’ standards of practice are always evolving, it is a good idea to have the notary who is in charge of the transaction check the validity of your certificate of localisation as soon as possible. This will prevent unpleasant surprises and delays in making the sale official.
Find a land surveyor
To know more about the profession or to find a land surveyor in your area, consult the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec.
FAQ
How much does a certificate of localisation cost?
According to the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec, the suggested rate for producing a certificate of localisation is $1,310.10. The cost may vary depending on the type of property and the region.
Consult the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec's rate guide.
Is the certificate of localisation ever the buyer’s responsibility?
The seller is responsible for providing a certificate of localisation that reflects the current state of the premises. However, the notary in charge of executing the deed of sale may advise the buyer to obtain a new certificate if, for example, the document is relatively old. If the seller has not made any changes to the property since the certificate was produced, the new certificate will be at the buyer’s expense, as generally stated in the Offer to Purchase.
Do I need a new certificate of localisation if I added a shed to my property?
Yes, a new certificate of localisation will be required since the property has been modified between the time the last certificate was issued and your sale.
Where can I find my cadastral number?
You can find your cadastral number on your certificate of localisation and on your municipal assessment roll. It is a seven-digit number.
Legal notice
The information on this page does not constitute a legal opinion and must not be construed as such, nor reproduced. It is provided for informational purposes only. It is advisable to consult a notary to obtain a legal opinion on a given situation.