Letters and notices

Notice of a latent defect (art. 1739 of the Civil Code of Québec)

Just discovered a problem with a house, condo or vehicle you bought? The law requires you to notify the seller in writing, without delay.

Legal obligation
Notify the seller of the defect in writing, within a reasonable time
C.c.Q., art. 1739

What is included

  • Notice of defect that complies with article 1739 of the Civil Code of Québec, reviewed and signed by the lawyer
  • Formal invitation to the seller to come and examine the defect before any repair
  • Reservation of your rights (price reduction, refund, damages)
  • One round of changes
  • Registered mail (fees included), copy by email, proof of delivery in your tracking page

What is not included

  • Technical expertise (inspector, engineer): you retain the expert yourself
  • Negotiating with the seller or the seller's insurer
  • Court proceedings

What might be added

  • If the seller refuses to act, a demand letter (CA$169) and then a small claims file preparation (CA$499) or a consultation (CA$169) may be needed.

Any additional service is announced at a fixed price, in writing, before it is undertaken.

Three steps.

  1. 1

    You answer a few questions and describe the situation (5 minutes).

  2. 2

    We draft the letter; the lawyer reviews and signs it.

  3. 3

    You approve it with one click; we send it by registered mail and give you the proof of sending.

You follow each step in your client area. The LIORMA team prepares; the lawyer advises, validates and signs. No decision concerning you is made without human review.

What the law says

Excerpts of the law are reproduced in their official French version; the explanation that follows is translated.

C.c.Q., art. 1739
« L'acheteur qui constate que le bien est atteint d'un vice doit, par écrit, le dénoncer au vendeur dans un délai raisonnable depuis sa découverte. »

Without prompt written notice, the claim against the seller may be lost, even if the defect is real.

Official text on LégisQuébec

Frequently asked questions

What is a reasonable time?+

The law does not set a number of days: it is assessed according to the circumstances. The sooner you act after discovering the defect, the less room the seller has to dispute it.

Should I wait for the notice before repairing?+

As a rule, yes: the seller has the right to examine the defect. Urgent repairs to prevent greater damage are the exception; document everything with photos.

Latent defect notice — CA$169, all inclusive.
Notice ready for your approval within 2 business days; sent by registered mail the same day you approve it.
Order my latent defect notice

In the same category

CA$169
all inclusive

Demand letter

A lawyer's letter, sent by registered mail, to obtain payment, a repair or the end of a behaviour.

Form required by law: The demand “must be made in writing”

See the listing and order
Order my demand letter

All-inclusive prices in Canadian dollars: GST, QST and, where indicated, government and delivery fees included. Each listing specifies the services included, those that are not, and those that may be required in addition. Price list in force since 13 octobre 2026, held for at least 90 days (Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers, ss. 146 to 148). Limited-scope mandate (s. 31) confirmed by a written agreement before work begins. A lawyer who is a member of the Barreau du Québec reviews and signs every file.