The OACIQ (Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec) regulates every real estate and mortgage broker in the province. Whether you're buying your first home or selling a plex in Montreal, verifying your broker's licence on the official registry takes 30 seconds — and can save you thousands of dollars. In this guide, you'll learn how to find a licensed broker, understand the Quebec purchase offer and master the standard clauses that protect your interests. Every year, the OACIQ processes hundreds of complaints and suspends licences — better to check before you sign.
1. What Is the OACIQ?
The OACIQ was created under the Real Estate Brokerage Act (Loi sur le courtage immobilier) to protect the public in Quebec real estate transactions. Its main role:
- Issue licences for real estate and mortgage brokerage
- Monitor professional practices and impose sanctions
- Receive public complaints and conduct investigations
- Protect consumers through the Real Estate Brokerage Compensation Fund (FICI)
FICI: The Compensation Fund covers up to $40,000 per claim in cases of fraud, misappropriation of funds, or serious broker misconduct. This protection does not exist if you transact without a broker.
OACIQ vs QPAREB: The OACIQ is the regulatory body (licences, discipline). QPAREB (Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers) produces market statistics and manages the Centris platform. They are two separate organizations.
2. How to Find a Licensed OACIQ Broker
The OACIQ public registry is available at registre.oaciq.com. In a few clicks, you can verify any broker in Quebec. Here are the 3 key things to check:
- Licence status: active, suspended or revoked. Only an active licence authorizes practice.
- Disciplinary decisions: past sanctions, fines, conditions imposed.
- Restrictions: some brokers have limitations (e.g., residential brokerage only).
The licence number is the legal proof that your broker is authorized. Always request it before signing any document.
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Find a licensed broker3. The OACIQ Purchase Offer Explained
The purchase offer (called “promesse d'achat” in French) is the official standardized form used by all real estate brokers in Quebec. It becomes a legally binding contract once accepted by the seller. In Quebec, “promesse d'achat” and “offre d'achat” refer to the same document.
The 5 key elements of the purchase offer:
- Offered price: the amount the buyer proposes for the property
- Deposit: typically 1 to 5% of the price, held in trust by the broker
- Conditions: inspection, financing, sale of current property, etc.
- Possession date: when the buyer takes the keys
- Seller declarations: disclosure of any known issues (defects, renovations, etc.)
Response deadline: The seller typically has 24 to 48 hours to accept, reject or make a counter-offer. This deadline is written into the purchase offer itself.
4. Standard OACIQ Clauses You Need to Know
Standard clauses are standardized conditions inserted into the purchase offer. They protect the buyer by allowing withdrawal without penalty if a condition is not met.
| Clause | Purpose | Typical Deadline | Risk if Absent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-purchase inspection | Allow building inspection | 5–10 days | Hidden defects undetected |
| Financing | Obtaining mortgage approval | 10–21 days | Deposit lost if bank declines |
| Sale of current property | Conditional on selling your home | Negotiable | Risk of owning two properties |
| Certificate of location | Update if older than 10 years | 30 days | Boundary or encroachment issues |
5. Is an OACIQ Broker Mandatory to Sell?
No, a broker is not mandatory in Quebec. You can sell your property independently (e.g. via DuProprio). However, working with an OACIQ broker offers significant advantages:
- FICI protection: coverage up to $40,000 in case of fraud
- Centris access: the MLS platform that reaches 90% of active buyers
- Official forms: purchase offer, seller declarations, etc.
- Professional negotiation: QPAREB data shows +15-20% higher sale prices with a broker
Good to know: For buyers, the broker's cost is $0. The commission is entirely paid by the seller. There is no reason to go without a broker on the buyer side.
For a detailed comparison, read our article Real Estate Broker vs For Sale by Owner: The 2026 Guide.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find a licensed OACIQ real estate broker in Quebec?
Visit the OACIQ public registry at registre.oaciq.com. Enter the broker's name or licence number to verify they are authorized to practise in Quebec.
What is the OACIQ?
The OACIQ (Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec) is the self-regulatory organization that oversees real estate and mortgage brokers in Quebec. It issues licences, handles complaints and protects consumers.
What is the OACIQ purchase offer (promesse d'achat)?
The OACIQ purchase offer is the official standardized form used by all Quebec brokers to submit an offer on a property. It includes the proposed price, conditions (inspection, financing), possession date and standardized legal clauses.
What are the main standard clauses in a Quebec purchase offer?
The main standard clauses are: the pre-purchase inspection clause, the mortgage financing clause, the sale of current property clause, and the certificate of location clause. Each clause protects the buyer by allowing withdrawal without penalty if the condition is not met.
Is an OACIQ broker mandatory to buy or sell in Quebec?
No, but strongly recommended. You can sell privately (e.g. via DuProprio), but without a broker you lose access to official OACIQ forms and the Real Estate Brokerage Compensation Fund (FICI), which covers up to $40,000 in case of fraud.
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