# Electronic Signatures with a Tenant in Quebec: What the Law Says

> Building rules, parking agreement: what Quebec law requires for an electronic signature to hold up, and the good habits to keep.

Updated 2026-11-08 · 4 min read · Web page: https://propriosign.com/en/guides/electronic-signature-tenant-documents

Example: you want Marie and Jean to sign the new building rules. They both work and you live across town. An electronic signature saves everyone a trip. Here is what Quebec law requires for it to hold up.

## What the law says

The Civil Code of Québec defines a signature as the name or personal mark a person affixes to a writing to signify their consent (article 2827). Nothing requires ink on paper.

The Act to establish a legal framework for information technology goes further (section 39): a signature may be affixed by any process that meets the requirements of the Civil Code. On a digital document, it may be set up against the person who signed if two conditions are met:

- The integrity of the document is ensured: you can check that it was not changed.
- The link between the signature and the document was established at the time of signing and has been maintained since.

## What makes a signature solid

If there is a dispute, the proof is what counts. Keep what shows:

- Who signed: a link sent to each signer’s personal email address.
- That they consented: a step where they confirm they want to sign.
- When: the date and time of each step.
- That the document did not change: a digital fingerprint (SHA-256) of the original and the signed document.

## Good habits

Example: Jean shares an email address with his partner. Ask for his own address instead: the link must reach the person who signs.

- Send each signer to their own email address, never a shared one.
- Read the document again before sending: once signed, it can no longer be changed.
- Keep the final PDF and its certificate with your records.
- If a tenant has no email or prefers paper, have them sign by hand.

## The limits

Some deeds require a special form, for example a notarial act. An electronic signature does not replace those formalities.

For the notice of modification of the lease, the main question is proving that the tenant received it. The guide on proof of receipt explains how.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a finger signature on a phone count?

Yes, the law allows any process. What counts is being able to show that the person really signed and that the document has not changed since.

### Do I need paid software or a digital certificate?

No. The law does not require a specific technology. You need to be able to prove who signed, their consent and the integrity of the document.

### Can my tenant refuse to sign online?

Yes. Nothing forces them to use an electronic method. Offer to sign on paper instead.

### Is this guide legal advice?

No. It is general information about the rules in Quebec, up to date as of November 8, 2026. For your situation, talk to a lawyer or a notary.

## Official sources

- [Act to establish a legal framework for information technology, s. 39 (LégisQuébec)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/C-1.1#se:39)
- [Civil Code of Québec, art. 2827 (LégisQuébec)](https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/CCQ-1991#se:2827)

---

ProprioSign is not affiliated with the Tribunal administratif du logement. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

ProprioSign: https://propriosign.com/en