Pre-Purchase Inspection: What to Do After the Report (Negotiate, Deadlines, Withdraw)
Clause 8.1, notice to the seller within four days, the Amendments form and RBQ-certified inspectors: your options after the inspection, according to the OACIQ.
Your promise to purchase has been accepted and the inspection report just arrived. It flags problems, big or small. What can you do, and by when? Here is what the OACIQ's forms provide, and how to approach what comes next: declaring yourself satisfied, negotiating or withdrawing.
At a glance
- The inspection period is set in the promise to purchase (clause 8.1). The parties choose it: 10 days in the example published by the OACIQ.
- After the inspection, you can declare yourself satisfied or make the promise null and void by notifying the seller in writing, with a copy of the report.
- According to the OACIQ, that notice must be given to the seller no later than four days after the inspection period expires.
- Negotiating a lower price requires an agreement between the parties, recorded on the Amendments form, not just a notice.
Choosing your inspector
According to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/vous-etes/citoyen/achat-ou-construction-dune-propriete/faire-inspecter-une-propriete/), since October 1, 2024 the RBQ has been issuing certificates to residential building inspectors who carry out pre-purchase inspections. The certificate will become mandatory on October 1, 2027. The RBQ's public registry lets you check that an inspector holds a valid certificate, and file a complaint if needed.
The inspection period and clause 8.1
The OACIQ's promise to purchase includes an inspection clause (clause 8.1) with a period you set when making the offer. During that period, you have the property inspected, receive the report and decide what to do. The OACIQ (https://www.oaciq.com/fr/titulaires-de-permis/guides-pratiques-professionnelles/principaux-formulaires-en-courtage-immobilier-residentiel/avis-et-suivi-de-realisation-de-conditions/) notes that best practice is to let the buyer use the full period to have the inspection done, get the report and read it.
Set a realistic period when you make the offer: it should leave time to find an available inspector, receive the written report and, if needed, consult a specialist.
After the report: your three options
1. You are satisfied
You notify the seller that the inspection condition has been met. According to the OACIQ, a buyer can also declare themselves satisfied before receiving the written report, but this option should be used with caution: the report could reveal something the inspector did not mention verbally.
2. You want to renegotiate
The report reveals major work and you want a lower price, repairs or a credit? According to the OACIQ, the conditions notice cannot be used to amend the promise. If the parties agree, the agreement must be recorded on the Amendments form, signed by both parties. Without an agreement within the period, you will have to choose between declaring yourself satisfied and withdrawing.
3. You withdraw
If you are not satisfied, you can make the promise null and void. According to the OACIQ (https://www.oaciq.com/fr/grand-public/acheter/annuler-promesse-achat-suite-inspection/), you must notify the seller, not the seller's broker, in writing, attaching a copy of the inspection report, no later than four days after the inspection period expires. The Notice and fulfilment of conditions form (clause AV4.3), completed with your broker, can serve as the notice.
How to negotiate after the inspection
- Separate normal maintenance from major problems. An older property will always have items to watch; negotiation is about what was not known or reflected in the price.
- Rely on facts: the relevant section of the report and, for major work, a quote or a specialist's opinion.
- Compare with the Seller's Declarations: a problem already disclosed carries less weight in negotiation than a surprise.
- Consider the market: in an area with many buyers, an overly broad request can sink the deal.
- Watch the clock: any negotiation must be wrapped up before your deadlines expire.
Proving the notice was received
The OACIQ stresses proof of receipt. When the broker sends the notice, they obtain the seller's acknowledgment of receipt within the deadlines. When deadlines are nearly up, the notice can be sent by bailiff, whose report serves as proof of receipt.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to do the pre-purchase inspection?
The period is set in the promise to purchase, at clause 8.1, and chosen by the parties. In the example published by the OACIQ, it is 10 days after the promise is accepted.
Can I cancel my promise to purchase after the inspection?
Yes, if the promise includes an inspection clause and you are not satisfied. You must notify the seller in writing, with a copy of the report, no later than four days after the inspection period expires, according to the OACIQ.
How do I negotiate the price after the inspection?
The parties must agree and record the change on the Amendments form. Support your request with the report and, for major work, a quote.
Does the inspector have to be certified?
The RBQ has been certifying residential building inspectors since October 1, 2024. The certificate will become mandatory on October 1, 2027. You can check an inspector in the RBQ registry.
Related reading
Sources, method and limitations
- OACIQ, "Annuler une promesse d'achat à la suite d'une inspection" (in French) (https://www.oaciq.com/fr/grand-public/acheter/annuler-promesse-achat-suite-inspection/): clause 8.1, notice to the seller, four-day deadline, Amendments form.
- OACIQ, "Avis et suivi de réalisation de conditions" (in French) (https://www.oaciq.com/fr/titulaires-de-permis/guides-pratiques-professionnelles/principaux-formulaires-en-courtage-immobilier-residentiel/avis-et-suivi-de-realisation-de-conditions/): clause AV4.3, options after the inspection, best practices.
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec, "Faire inspecter une propriété" (in French) (https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/vous-etes/citoyen/achat-ou-construction-dune-propriete/faire-inspecter-une-propriete/): inspector certification.
This article describes the OACIQ forms used in a brokered transaction. The actual deadlines are those written in your promise to purchase; when in doubt, ask your broker or a notary. Information current as of October 8, 2026; this is not legal advice.
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