What is FARCIQ?

An Essential Protection for Brokers… and for You

Understanding the Quebec Real Estate Brokerage Professional Liability Insurance Fund (FARCIQ)

In a real estate transaction, every detail matters — whether it's drafting documents, analyzing statutory guarantees, or giving advice at each step. Even with the utmost rigor, no one is immune to an error or omission. This is where an often unknown but absolutely essential organization comes into play: the FARCIQ.

As a real estate broker, I am required to be insured with FARCIQ. But more importantly, this fund plays a determining role in protecting consumers and maintaining a high level of trust in our profession.

⭐ What is FARCIQ?

The FARCIQ (Fonds d’assurance responsabilité professionnelle du courtage immobilier du Québec) is an independent organization that manages the mandatory insurance for all real estate brokers in Quebec.

Its role: to protect the public when a consumer believes they have suffered damage due to a fault, error, omission, or negligence committed by a broker in the performance of their duties.

In other words:

👉 If a problem arises in a transaction and a client suffers financial damage related to the broker’s work, FARCIQ may intervene.

🏠 In what situations can FARCIQ help?

FARCIQ may receive a request for assistance when a consumer believes they have been harmed because:

• Of an error in drafting or interpretation in a purchase agreement or contract
• Of an important omission (e.g., an element that should have been disclosed)
• Of inadequate professional advice
• Of a lack of follow-up or diligence resulting in a loss
• Of information transmitted that turns out to be incomplete or inaccurate

It’s important to understand that FARCIQ does not intervene to settle disputes of opinion between sellers and buyers, but rather for situations where the broker’s work directly caused financial harm.

🧩 How does a request for assistance work?

1. The consumer files a request with FARCIQ.
2. They must describe the situation and demonstrate the financial impact suffered.
3. FARCIQ analyzes the case.
4. The organization assesses whether the claim is admissible and whether it truly stems from the broker’s work.
5. If the request is justified, compensation may be awarded.
6. The amount varies depending on the nature of the damage.
7. The broker may be asked to collaborate in the investigation.

This rigorous structure protects both the consumer and the broker, while ensuring complete transparency.

🔍 Why is FARCIQ so important for consumers?

✔️ Peace of mind

You know that the professional guiding you is not only regulated by the OACIQ:

they are insured, governed, and responsible for their work.

✔️ A secure transaction

Even when an error occurs — which remains rare — you are never left without recourse.

✔️ A high standard of quality

FARCIQ helps maintain a standard of excellence in the industry by encouraging rigorous practices and ongoing training.

💼 Why this is also important for me, as a real estate broker

As a broker, my goal is simple:

👉 protect your interests, defend your rights, and accompany you with transparency and diligence.

Knowing that we have access to FARCIQ, I can assure you that:

• I take every step of your transaction seriously
• I document everything precisely
• I inform you of your rights
• And most importantly, you’ll never have to feel alone in a potential dispute

This is also why, in the event of an exceptional error, I take responsibility and guide you through the necessary steps, including preparing a request for assistance to FARCIQ if you have suffered damage.

🧭 Conclusion: an indispensable safety net

The FARCIQ is an invisible yet essential pillar of Quebec real estate.

It ensures that your transactions occur in an environment where public protection is the priority, and where every broker is responsible for their actions.

For you, consumers, this means:

✨ more security

✨ more transparency

✨ more confidence

And for me, it means:

💙 a even stronger professional commitment to you.

If you have questions or you are experiencing a situation where you believe you have suffered damage related to a past transaction, I am here to guide you with clarity.