Quittance
A quittance is an archaic term for a document acknowledging that a debt has been paid or an obligation discharged. Today the equivalents are a receipt, a release or, for a mortgage, a discharge registered on title. The word is not used in modern BC practice.
How BC law treats it
In BC conveyancing, debts on title are cleared using payout statements, lawyers' undertakings and discharges registered in the Land Title Office.
What it means for your business
When you pay off a debt or settle a claim, obtain a written release or discharge confirming that the obligation is satisfied.
Risks and common mistakes
Paying out a mortgage without making sure the discharge is registered can leave the charge on title and complicate a later sale.
For the full explanation, see our entry on General release.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
