A new legal warranty has applied in Quebec since October 5, 2026. If you bought a new appliance on or after that date, it’s covered for several years, free of charge, without you having to buy anything.
Here’s what the law says, in plain terms.
What is the warranty of good working order?
It’s a warranty provided by Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act. It applies automatically, and the merchant can’t ask you to give it up. If the appliance works poorly or stops working during the covered period, the merchant or manufacturer must have it repaired at no cost.
To be covered, the appliance must meet three conditions: be new, have been bought or leased from a merchant in Quebec on or after October 5, 2026, and be one of the goods listed in the law.
How many years for each appliance?
The durations are set by regulation and start on the delivery date.
| Appliance | Warranty period |
|---|---|
| Stove | 6 years |
| Refrigerator | 6 years |
| Freezer | 6 years |
| Air conditioner | 6 years |
| Heat pump | 6 years |
| Washer | 5 years |
| Dryer | 5 years |
| Dishwasher | 5 years |
Note: dishwashers, washers and dryers are covered for 5 years, while cooling and cooking appliances are covered for 6 years.
What the warranty covers, and what it doesn’t
Covered
The repair is free. The merchant or manufacturer pays for parts, labour and reasonable transport costs. That’s true even if they hand the repair to another company: the bill isn’t yours.
Not covered
Normal maintenance is still at your expense. Replacing a part that wears out over time, like a filter, isn’t a warranty claim. Damage you cause yourself isn’t covered either.
What the merchant must tell you
The merchant must display the length of this warranty near the appliance’s price, in store and online. Before offering you a paid extended warranty, they must also give you a document stating that the appliance is already covered free of charge and that other free warranties exist.
In other words, before paying for an extended warranty, check what you already have.
How to use the warranty
If the appliance breaks down during the covered period, contact the merchant or the manufacturer, whichever you prefer. The law doesn’t set a procedure: check your purchase contract first, otherwise a call or an email is enough.
Keep your purchase invoice. It proves the delivery date, which is the starting point of the warranty.
If you’re refused help, Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur offers an online settlement platform called PARLe. If discussions fail, a formal demand letter and small claims court remain options.
What if your appliance isn’t covered?
Many appliances aren’t, because they were bought before October 5, 2026. That doesn’t mean you have no recourse.
Another legal warranty has existed for decades: the warranty of reasonable durability. It provides that goods must be fit for normal use for a reasonable length of time, given their price and use. It continues to apply during and after the warranty of good working order. We’ll cover it in an upcoming article.
Repair rather than replace
When the warranty doesn’t apply, repair is often the most economical choice, especially on a mid-range or high-end appliance. At Réparation Électro Sherbrooke, the technician explains the problem and the cost before starting, and you decide.
Appliance broke down in Sherbrooke or the Eastern Townships? Call 438 798-5778 or fill in a quote request. We can serve you in English over the phone.
Sources
- Éducaloi, “La garantie de bon fonctionnement des électroménagers et appareils électroniques” (in French)
- Government of Quebec, “Nouvelle garantie de bon fonctionnement en vigueur bientôt” (in French)
- Office de la protection du consommateur
This article explains the general rules in effect in Quebec. It isn’t legal advice. For a specific situation, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur.