Aller au contenu principal
Division of Condominium Lots: When the Law Does Not Apply (Cass. 3e civ., 3 June 2021, No. 20-16.777)
Droit-immobilier

Division of Condominium Lots: When the Law Does Not Apply (Cass. 3e civ., 3 June 2021, No. 20-16.777)

📅 Décision du 03 June 2021⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 18 vues📖 2 min de lecture

The Court of Cassation clarifies that Article L. 111-6-1 of the Construction and Housing Code, which imposes strict conditions for dividing residential premises, does not apply to the division of condominium lots carried out to legally and accountingly individualise lots corresponding to the existing structure of the building. This decision clarifies a crucial point for co-owners and managing agents.

Reference Decision: Cass. 3e civ. • No. 20-16.777 • 2021-06-03 • View the decision →

Imagine: you are the owner of a flat in Vallauris, in a building from the 1970s. The general meeting votes to divide certain condominium lots to regularise the cadastral situation. But a co-owner challenges this, arguing that the division is subject to a strict law intended to prevent substandard housing. Who is right? Until this decision of the Court of Cassation of 3 June 2021, the answer was unclear. Now the judges have ruled: Article L. 111-6-1 of the Construction and Housing Code, which governs the division of residential premises, does not apply to the division of condominium lots carried out for legal and accounting reasons, without the creation of new dwellings.

This decision, handed down by the Third Civil Chamber, is a victory for the legal certainty of condominiums. It clarifies that the law on the division of dwellings only targets operations that result in the making available of new residential premises. On the other hand, when a lot is divided to make two lots corresponding to parts already distinct in the building (for example, a 'cellar' lot and a 'flat' lot which were artificially combined), it does not fall within the scope of this regulation. Detailed explanation below.

Besoin d'un conseil personnalisé ? Contactez Maître Zakine — première consultation 30 min à 45€.

Questions fréquentes

Qu'est-ce que l'article L. 111-6-1 du code de la construction et de l'habitation ?

Cet article impose des conditions strictes pour diviser un local d'habitation en plusieurs lots (surface minimale, respect des normes de décence, etc.). Il vise à lutter contre la création de logements indignes.

Puis-je diviser mon lot de copropriété sans respecter l'article L. 111-6-1 ?

Oui, si la division est purement juridique et comptable, sans création de nouveaux logements. Par exemple, séparer un lot qui regroupait artificiellement un appartement et une cave en deux lots distincts.

Quels sont les risques si une division de lots est contestée ?

Le copropriétaire contestataire peut demander l'annulation de l'assemblée générale. La décision de la Cour de cassation rassure : si la division est justifiée par la structure de l'immeuble, elle est valable.

Que faire si mon syndic propose une division de lots ?

Vérifiez que la division est motivée par des raisons juridiques ou comptables (ex : régularisation du règlement de copropriété) et non par la création de nouveaux logements. Demandez un avis d'avocat expert.

Cette décision s'applique-t-elle aux copropriétés de Sophia-Antipolis ?

Oui, elle est de portée nationale. Les copropriétés des zones tendues comme Sophia-Antipolis peuvent bénéficier de cette clarification pour des divisions nécessaires à la gestion de l'immeuble.

Informations juridiques

  • Numéro: 20-16.777
  • Juridiction: Cour de cassation
  • Date de décision: 03 juin 2021

Mots-clés

division de lotscopropriététantièmesarticle L111-6-1Cour de cassation2021droit immobilier

Cas d'usage pratiques

1

Co-owner wishing to divide his lot to sell it separately

Mr Dupont, owner in Vallauris, owns a lot that includes a studio and a cellar. He wants to divide this lot to sell the cellar independently. The general meeting votes on the division. Another co-owner challenges it, invoking Article L. 111-6-1.

Application pratique:

Thanks to this decision, Mr Dupont can prove that the division is purely legal: the studio and the cellar are already physically distinct. The law does not apply. He must have the division recorded in the condominium regulations and modify the shares.

2

Managing agent regularising poorly described lots

The managing agent of a residence in Sophia-Antipolis notes that the condominium regulations describe a lot 'flat with cellar' whereas the cellar is actually a separate lot. He proposes a division to reflect reality.

Application pratique:

The division is legal without going through Article L. 111-6-1. The managing agent must convene a general meeting, explain the modification of the shares, and have the vote passed with the required majority. Opposing co-owners cannot invoke this law to block it.

3

Purchaser of a divided lot without apparent compliance with the law

Mrs Martin buys a flat in Grasse. The deed mentions a lot 'A' which, according to the regulations, is actually the division of a larger lot. She fears that the division is unlawful.

Application pratique:

If the division was made to individualise already existing parts, it is valid. The purchaser must check the minutes of the general meeting that authorised the division. In case of doubt, a specialised lawyer will examine whether the division created a new dwelling or not.

Maître Cécile Zakine

À propos de l'auteur

Maître Cécile Zakine — Avocate au Barreau des Alpes-Maritimes, Docteur en Droit. Chaque article de ce magazine est rédigé à partir de l'analyse d'une décision de jurisprudence réelle, commentée et mise en perspective par les équipes de Maître Zakine.

Prendre rendez-vous →

Avertissement: Les analyses présentées sur ce site sont fournies à titre informatif uniquement et ne constituent pas des conseils juridiques personnalisés. Pour une consultation adaptée à votre situation, contactez un avocat.

★★★★★4.9/5 — Google Reviews

Does this affect you?

Consult Maître Zakine — lawyer, Doctor of Law. Fast, clear answer.

Book a consultation →

🔒 Confidential · No obligation

📬 Get legal updates

One legal analysis per week, straight to your inbox. Free, no spam.

🔒 1-click unsubscribe · GDPR compliant

★★★★★4.9/5 — Avis Google

Maître Zakine, Doctor of Law

Phone and video consultations available — Fast appointments

Book an appointment
First consultation 30 minutes — €45

🔒 Confidentiel • Sans engagement • Réponse rapide