Definition
The Quebec Land Registry (formerly Bureau de la publicité des droits) is the official tool for publicizing real property rights. Managed by the Quebec government, it lists every mortgage, easement, restriction, usufruct right, or other real right that has been published (registered) on a specific property.
Under Quebec civil law, a real right is only enforceable against third parties if it has been published in the Land Registry. In practice: - A mortgage is legally created only upon registration, not at contract signing - A buyer is presumed to have knowledge of all rights registered on the property they purchase - Priority among mortgage creditors is determined by the order of registration
The notary is the professional mandated to publish (register) deeds in the Land Registry during a transaction. A title search (registry review) is mandatory in every mortgage file.