Definition
Mortgage discharge is the legal act that removes a mortgage inscription from the Quebec Land Registry once the underlying loan has been fully repaid. Without discharge, the mortgage remains visible on the title even if the debt is extinguished, blocking any sale or new financing.
The procedure is performed by a notary, upon presentation of the repayment receipt (quittance) issued by the lender. Discharge fees typically range from $300 to $600, plus Land Registry inscription fees (~$100). This cost is often absorbed by the outgoing lender during a mortgage transfer.
For a mortgage transfer (lender change at maturity), discharge + new registration can be replaced by a mortgage assignment, which is less costly, if the new lender accepts it. For a collateral mortgage (TD, Scotia), discharge is mandatory as assignment is not possible — explaining the higher exit costs.