Purchasing a duplex, triplex, or multiplex in Laval is a significant financial decision — and a genuine opportunity to build lasting wealth. But between the promise to purchase and the signing of the notarial act, several due diligence steps are essential. Thorough preparation, with a notary involved from the outset, can make all the difference between a sound investment and a complicated situation to untangle after the fact.
Notarial Due Diligence: A Non-Negotiable Step
Before finalizing the purchase of an income property, the notary conducts a comprehensive examination of the title. This process, commonly referred to as notarial due diligence, is designed to confirm that the seller holds clear title to convey the property, that the property is free of undisclosed charges, and that the property's history contains no irregularities that could affect the transaction.
In Laval and throughout the greater Montréal area, this review may uncover undischarged hypothecs, real rights registered on the Quebec Land Registry, or servitudes that directly affect the value or permitted use of the property. No serious buyer should skip this step.
Essential Documents to Gather Before Signing
What the Seller Must Provide
A well-prepared transaction depends on complete documentation. Key items to review before signing the deed of sale include:
- Current leases: every occupied unit is governed by a lease agreement that must be reviewed carefully
- Certificate of location: describes the precise boundaries of the land, the structures on it, and their compliance with municipal by-laws
- Seller's declarations: a document in which the seller attests to the known condition of the property, renovations carried out, and the existence of apparent or latent defects
- Statement of charges: hypothecs, tax arrears, rights of way, or other encumbrances affecting the property
An outdated certificate of location or incomplete leases can lead to significant complications down the line. Me Petrulian will walk you through the details during your consultation.
Tenant Rights: A Reality You Need to Understand
Purchasing an occupied income property means inheriting the existing rights of the tenants in place. Under Quebec law, the buyer takes ownership of the property subject to existing leases — occupants are not required to vacate simply because the property has changed hands.
This is especially important for any investor who is considering occupying one of the units or changing its use. The rules governing these situations are precise, and the steps required are strictly defined under Quebec law. Your notary can guide you through the obligations that will apply to you from the moment you take possession.
The Notary's Role in Drafting the Deed of Sale
Protecting Both Parties and Publishing Rights
The notary's role goes well beyond authenticating signatures on the deed of sale. They draft the deed of sale to ensure that both parties' interests are protected, that existing hypothecs are properly discharged, and that all rights are duly published on the Quebec Land Registry.
This publication is fundamental: it makes the transaction enforceable against third parties and gives your acquisition solid legal protection. Where mortgage financing is involved, the notary also coordinates the registration of the lender's hypothec.
For an income property in Laval or the greater Montréal area, this step carries added weight, as the values involved and the complexity of the documentation are generally greater than in a straightforward residential transaction.
Key Considerations Specific to Rental Properties in Laval
Zoning, Compliance, and Prior Work
Purchasing a multiplex in Sainte-Dorothée or another area of Laval requires careful verification with the Ville de Laval: applicable zoning, conformity of the current use, building permits issued, and — where applicable — regularization of work carried out without authorization.
A property where renovations were not properly declared, or where the current use does not align with the applicable zoning, can expose the new owner to costly obligations. These verifications, combined with the title examination, allow you to approach signing with a clear and complete picture of exactly what you are acquiring.
Consult Groupe Synergie Notaires
Are you considering the purchase of an income property in Laval or the greater Montréal area? Every transaction deserves personalized attention — especially when a rental investment is involved. Me Mirabela Petrulian and the team at Groupe Synergie Notaires are with you at every step, from the title review through to the final signing.
Book your appointment today:
📍 67 Boulevard Samson, Laval (Sainte-Dorothée), QC H7X 3E6 📞 (514) 399-1009 ✉️ info@gsnotaires.com
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.