Publications

September 23, 2015

Undivided co-ownership – Beware of the repossession of the leased premises!

WWII deeply modified the Canadian economy1. The concentration of resources toward the war effort brought about, among other things, a shortage of rental premises2. Hence, the law governing leases was adapted3. and the existing liberal vision of free negotiation of contracts and consent made way for (…)

July 10, 2015

The Supreme Court rules on a broker’s right to a commission when no sale is concluded

Standard real estate brokerage contracts generally stipulate the obligation for the seller to pay a commission to the broker in the event that an agreement for the sale of the property occurs during the term of the brokerage contract or where the seller voluntarily prevents the free performance of (…)

May 8, 2015

A Heads-up on Asbestos!

To allow for adequate planning, the Quebec government phased in the coming into force of certain regulatory amendments on building safety that were adopted in the past few years. These new standards were previously discussed in bulletin Nos. 6 and 9, issued in April 2013 and June 2014 respectively, (…)

June 1, 2014

Quarterly legal newsletter intended for accounting, management, and finance professionals, Number 24

CONTENTSNominees in the context of litigationUse of a nominee by limited partnerships and trusts for holding immovablesVoluntary registration for GST and QST purposes by a nomineeImmovables held by a nominee: Issues with respect to consumption taxesNOMINEES IN THE CONTEXT OF LITIGATIONLéa Maalouf  (…)

June 1, 2014

Cooling Towers and Asbestos: New Obligations for Owners, Tenants, Managers and Employers

Over the last year and half, the legislator has addressed the building safety issues in order to ensure the safety of the occupants and visitors of these buildings, as well as the persons who may be exposed to hazards because of equipment attached to such buildings.On March 18, 2013, the Regulation (…)

October 1, 2013

Fungal Contamination and Commercial Leases

Fungal contamination: a complex problem The detection of a fungal contamination problem in a building can be a complex operation. For example, recurring water infiltration due to leaks in a building’s outer envelope can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of mould in spaces not (…)

July 1, 2013

Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 7

CONTENT  What Happens when an Option to Terminate is not Exercised in Accordance with its Terms? The Landlord's Obligation to Provide Peaceful Enjoyment WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN OPTION TO TERMINATE IS NOT EXERCISED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS?Chantal JoubertAn option for the renewal or (…)

April 1, 2013

Building Safety – New Onerous Obligations for Owners

On March 18, 2013, the Règlement visant à améliorer la sécurité dans le bâtiment, adopted pursuant to the Building Act, came into force. The new Regulation, which became chapter VIII of the Safety Code entitled “Building”, contains rules on fire safety and on maintenance of building facades and (…)

January 1, 2013

Legal hypothecs for construction and the enforcement of contractual rights: The Superior Court condemns the use of the land registry as a means for intimidation

On September 21, 2012, Justice Babin of the Superior Court of Québec rendered a decision which denotes the effect of bad faith of the registrant on damages awards in the context of the unjustified publication of a legal hypothec for construction.1While the decision serves as a useful reminder that a (…)

December 1, 2012

Due diligence and commercial leases

Generally speaking, the acquisition of rental property requires a due diligence process that is usually focused on building and property conditions, property titles and lease analysis. During this phase, the purchaser will primarily be concerned about a possible right of first refusal to acquire (…)

December 1, 2012

Legal newsletter for real estate professionals, Number 5

CONTENT  Property Management : When does a breach of contract become gross negligence? Ensuring the safety of citizens is a primary obligation of the state  Property Management : When does a breach of contract become gross negligence? Louis-Martin Dubé On October 10, 2012, the Québec Court (…)

December 1, 2012

Francization – Bill No 14 amending the Charter of the French language

This publication was authored by Luc Thibaudeau, former partner of Lavery and now judge in the Civil Division of the Court of Québec, District of Longueuil. The title of this newsletter gives a good summary of the explanatory notes that serve as an introduction to Bill 14, entitled An Act to amend (…)

September 1, 2012

Due diligence in leasing

It is fairly common and in fact recommended, to proceed with a due diligence review of a property before its acquisition. At a minimum, title to the property is confirmed through a title search review. Often times, a much more thorough review is completed. Matters such as zoning and other legal (…)