The Listing Was Perfect. But It’s Clearly a Lemon.
The Listing Was Perfect. But It’s Clearly a Lemon.
You saw the ad.
You asked the questions.
You signed the papers.
But now… something’s off.
The car sputters.
The condo smells musty.
The thing you just paid thousands for feels more scam than score.
Whether you bought a used car, a house, or something in between — and now regret it — here’s what to know about “hidden defects” in Québec:
1. This isn’t just buyer’s remorse — the law’s on your side
In Québec, the legal warranty of quality protects buyers — even if it wasn’t mentioned in the contract.
If what you bought has a serious, hidden problem that existed before the sale, you may have recourse.
2. So what counts as a “hidden defect”?
It has to be:
Serious: affects use, safety, or value
Hidden: not visible or obvious at the time of purchase
Pre-existing: there before the sale
Unknown: even with reasonable inspection
That sketchy AC unit? The cracked foundation? The engine light that won’t turn off?
Maybe more than just a nuisance.
3. Step one: Notify the seller
Before doing anything else, you need to send a formal notice to the seller.
In writing.
Ideally with proof.
And before you fix anything (unless it’s urgent).
Skip this step and you could lose your rights entirely — even if your claim is valid.
4. Step two: Get it looked at
You’ll want a mechanic, inspector, or other pro to check things out.
The more objective proof you have of the problem, the stronger your case.
5. Step three: Know what to ask for
Depending on the defect, you may be entitled to:
A partial refund
Reimbursement of repair costs
In extreme cases, cancellation of the sale
But it depends on timing, evidence, and the seller’s reaction.
Squeezing justice from a lemon isn’t easy.
But in Québec, the law doesn’t expect you to just live with a sour deal.
Leya helps you figure out your next step — fast. Book a consult like you’d book a spin class. We’ll help you decide if it’s worth the fight, and how to do it right.
You saw the ad.
You asked the questions.
You signed the papers.
But now… something’s off.
The car sputters.
The condo smells musty.
The thing you just paid thousands for feels more scam than score.
Whether you bought a used car, a house, or something in between — and now regret it — here’s what to know about “hidden defects” in Québec:
1. This isn’t just buyer’s remorse — the law’s on your side
In Québec, the legal warranty of quality protects buyers — even if it wasn’t mentioned in the contract.
If what you bought has a serious, hidden problem that existed before the sale, you may have recourse.
2. So what counts as a “hidden defect”?
It has to be:
Serious: affects use, safety, or value
Hidden: not visible or obvious at the time of purchase
Pre-existing: there before the sale
Unknown: even with reasonable inspection
That sketchy AC unit? The cracked foundation? The engine light that won’t turn off?
Maybe more than just a nuisance.
3. Step one: Notify the seller
Before doing anything else, you need to send a formal notice to the seller.
In writing.
Ideally with proof.
And before you fix anything (unless it’s urgent).
Skip this step and you could lose your rights entirely — even if your claim is valid.
4. Step two: Get it looked at
You’ll want a mechanic, inspector, or other pro to check things out.
The more objective proof you have of the problem, the stronger your case.
5. Step three: Know what to ask for
Depending on the defect, you may be entitled to:
A partial refund
Reimbursement of repair costs
In extreme cases, cancellation of the sale
But it depends on timing, evidence, and the seller’s reaction.
Squeezing justice from a lemon isn’t easy.
But in Québec, the law doesn’t expect you to just live with a sour deal.
Leya helps you figure out your next step — fast. Book a consult like you’d book a spin class. We’ll help you decide if it’s worth the fight, and how to do it right.