Deed: legal definition and example

Definition

A deed is a written document that establishes a legal right or obligation.

Example

A concrete example of a deed would be an apartment rental contract. This written document establishes the rights and obligations of the tenant and the landlord, such as the amount of rent, the duration of the lease and each party’s responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. Without this deed, there would be no legal proof of the agreement between the two parties, and this could lead to disputes and legal problems. That’s why it’s important to understand the importance of legal deeds, and to draft them carefully to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes.

Quotation and reference

1. “A deed is a written document which establishes a right or obligation and which is signed by the person who undertakes to respect that right or obligation.” – Civil Code of Quebec, article 1375.

2. “A notarial act is an authentic deed drawn up by a notary and which records a fact or legal act in which the parties have participated or which they have recognized.” – Notarial Act, article 1.

3. “A deed of sale is a contract by which one person transfers ownership of property to another in exchange for an agreed price.” – Civil Code of Quebec, article 1701.

4. “An act of gift is a contract by which one person transfers ownership of property to another person free of charge.” – Civil Code of Québec, article 1759.

5. “An act of marriage is an official document recording the legal union of two persons.” – Civil Marriage Act, article 20.