Protections
Family residence
As a de facto spouse, you cannot register the house or apartment in which you live with your spouse as a "family residence". This means that your spouse could, for example, sell or rent out your house without informing you, if he or she is the sole owner or the only person who signed the lease.
However, you can take steps to protect your home.
Parental union
If you and your spouse become the parents of the same child on or after June 30, 2025, you may become parental union spouses by operation of law. For more information on the conditions governing the formation of a parental union, or on how to voluntarily form one, see the section on parental union.
Specific rules apply to parental union spouses.
If you are an owner
If you or your spouse own the property that is your family residence, certain clauses can be included in a cohabitation agreement providing, for example, that if you separate:
- one spouse may buy back the other’s share;
- the spouse who obtains sole custody of the children will have a temporary right to continue living in the house.
If you are a tenant
If you are a tenant and you separate from your de facto spouse, you can remain in your dwelling even if you did not sign the lease.
However, you must meet the following conditions:
- you lived in the dwelling with the person who signed the lease for at least six months;
- you continue to live in the dwelling;
- you notify the owner (landlord) within two months of the departure of the spouse who signed the lease and of the fact that you continue to live in the dwelling, since you are entitled to maintain occupancy.
Last update: March 5, 2025