A Quebec court has ruled against an inspector in bâtiment who sued a real estate broker after the broker allegedly advised clients to reject her services if she wasn’t on an approved list. The March 3, 2026, decision highlights the complex dynamics between brokers, inspectors and homebuyers in the province’s real estate market.
The case, brought by an unnamed inspector, centered on allegations that a broker was steering clients toward specific inspection firms, effectively limiting consumer choice. The inspector argued this practice was anti-competitive and potentially compromised the objectivity of property evaluations. According to court documents, the broker suggested clients avoid inspectors not included on a preferred roster.
The judge, however, sided with the broker, finding that while the practice may raise ethical questions, it did not constitute an illegal act. The ruling underscores the current legal framework, which allows brokers a degree of influence over the selection of service providers during a transaction. The decision does not explicitly prohibit brokers from recommending specific inspectors, but it leaves open the question of whether such recommendations should be disclosed to clients.
The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), the self-regulatory body for real estate brokers in Quebec, outlines the responsibilities of brokers in the context of pre-purchase inspections on its website. The OACIQ explains that brokers must act with honesty and integrity, but the extent to which they can direct clients toward specific inspectors remains a grey area.
François Sanchez, an accredited real estate expert with 25 years of experience operating in the South of France and Provence, noted the importance of an unbiased evaluation. “Evaluating a property isn’t simple. Each property is unique, and requires a tailored approach,” Sanchez stated on his company website. While his expertise is geographically distinct from the Quebec case, his emphasis on the need for an independent assessment resonates with the concerns raised by the inspector.
The ruling comes as the real estate industry faces increasing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. Similar concerns have been raised in other jurisdictions regarding the influence brokers exert over ancillary services, such as home inspections and mortgage financing.
Switzerland Sotheby’s International Realty agent François Sanchez, speaking about his approach to the market, emphasized the importance of solid technical knowledge. “The SVIT School of Lausanne, specialists in real estate economics, and the USPI, with its federal broker certification courses, have allowed me to acquire solid and technical knowledge in our profession,” he said. This highlights the professional standards within the industry, even as questions remain about ethical practices.
The OACIQ has stated it will review the court’s decision and consider whether further guidance is needed for brokers regarding inspection referrals. No timeline for this review has been announced.
