Question 1

What is a certificate of location used for?

Accepted Answer

The certificate of location is a document which notes the current conformity of the property it represents. It is necessary for a real estate transaction and/or to mortgage your property. Municipalities may also require it to ensure the compliance of a newly built house.

Question 2

How do I know the boundaries of my property?

Accepted Answer

Staking would be the recommended service to know your property boundaries. Survey markers will then be placed at the corners of your land so that you can physically visualize its position. Remember that staking demonstrates the opinion of the land surveyor.

Question 3

Are markers installed when a certificate of location is drawn up?

Accepted Answer

The production of a certificate of location, although requiring a site visit, does not include the installation of survey markers. This is part of the staking process. However, it is possible to carry out both tasks simultaneously.

Question 4

Are there certificates of location for the condominum?

Accepted Answer

And yes! When selling or mortgaging a condominium, the certificate of location will be necessary. There are some differences compared to the certificate of location of a house, but still requires a visit to the premises.

Question 5

Is my certificate of location still valid?

Accepted Answer

The certificate of location being a document which establishes the conformity of the property which it represents. It will lose all validity in the event of a change to said property. We can talk, for example, about the installation of a fence or a swimming pool, the construction of a new building or the renovation of an existing building. The change in the lot number, following a cadastral renovation, or even the change in the municipal regulations in force can also invalidate the certificate of location. There is no regulation specifying the exact number of times a certificate of location remains valid if no changes are made to the property. Please consult your notary or land surveyor to ensure the validity of your certificate of location

Question 6

I am the buyer of a condominium and the seller gives me a certificate of the private part which shows that a wall has been removed. What should I do ?

Accepted Answer

As a buyer, you should request a cadastral correction before finalizing the purchase. This operation will only be possible if all the co-owners of the building accept the modification of the cadastral plan; otherwise, the seller will have to replace the wall.

Question 7

What is the difference between a picket and a boundary?

Accepted Answer

There is often confusion about these two products. What you need to understand is that, although similar, the two services do not have the same purpose. Staking consists of issuing the land surveyor's opinion as to the position of all the property boundaries. Since it is an opinion, it could be contested by one of your neighbours. However, this service is still recommended for hedges and fences. Boundary demarcation is generally aimed at a particular boundary, in a situation where the two neighbours are in dispute as to the exact position of that boundary. Boundary demarcation is also recommended in the case of an uncertain and undetermined boundary. This boundary cannot subsequently be contested.

Question 8

Who must pay for the certificate of location of an immovable in a co-ownership and that of a common area?

Accepted Answer

The building's syndicate of co-owners is responsible for paying for the certificate of location. For the private portion of your unit, it is usually the owner who must provide it.

Question 9

Who can produce a certificate of location?

Accepted Answer

Only the land surveyor, a member of the Order of Land Surveyors of Quebec (OAGQ) can produce a certificate of location in Quebec. This is an official document with legal value and its production must therefore be governed by very strict regulations.

Question 10

Can I split my plot into two?

Accepted Answer

To separate a lot into two, the cadastral operation is the product you need! Your land surveyor will ensure that the process runs smoothly and validate that the separation methods comply with the standards and regulations in force.

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