Co-signer and guarantor files in Quebec.

Co-signers are equally liable. Underwriters review both files in full; weak credit on either side affects approval.

Quebec adds its own layer. Notarial closings replace the lawyer step elsewhere. Underwriters expect the notary, not a lawyer, on instructions. That matters here because underwriters are already scrutinizing the income side of a co-signer and guarantor files file — a property or program complication local to Quebec can push a marginal file over the edge.

Welcome Tax (droits de mutation) on a tiered scale; Montreal adds an extra bracket above $500K.

Programs to check eligibility for in Quebec:

• Home Buyers' Plan
• FHSA
• Montreal Home Ownership Program (varies by family composition)

• Full income and credit documentation for both parties
• Co-signer's existing mortgage and liability disclosure
• Clear legal advice acknowledgment in some provinces

Quebec nuance: Income tax assessments use the Revenu Québec format alongside the CRA NOA; expect both.

• Co-ownership (divided/undivided) materially changes lender appetite.
• Quebec Law 25 affects what data lenders and brokers can collect.
• Quebec employment letters must usually be bilingual or accompanied by a translation.

Underwriter view of this scenario: A co-signer with strong income but weak credit may not help. A parent with a paid-off home and pension income is usually the strongest profile.

• Choose a co-signer with both strong income and clean credit
• Document the co-signer's existing liabilities upfront
• Plan the exit (refinance to remove the co-signer once the primary borrower can carry alone)

• Co-signer has their own existing mortgage near maximum debt-service.
• Co-signer with credit score below 680.