A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or violence towards a child living with them may terminate their lease early, without having to pay the landlord an indemnity for the remainder of the lease.
To do so, the tenant must first obtain an attestation from a public servant or officer designated by the Minister of Justice, confirming that terminating the lease is necessary to ensure their safety or that of a child.
The oath, in brief
This document contains a declaration under oath (or a solemn affirmation): it must be signed before a person legally authorized to receive it — a Commissioner for Oaths, notary, lawyer, clerk, or justice of the peace.
In Québec, a Commissioner for Oaths can administer this oath remotely, by videoconference, when the required conditions are met (seeing and hearing each other, viewing the document, keeping it confidential).
Where to get the document
This document is published in French only by Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP). No official English version of this specific document is currently published — the organization's English page lists the same category of forms.
Download this document (quebec.ca, PDF, in French)
Have this document sworn online
The “Oath or Solemn Affirmation” section of the attestation request form must be completed before a Commissioner for Oaths — this can be done online, one less step in an already difficult process.
Before booking, confirm with the court registry or the receiving organization the deadlines that apply to your file.