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Concealment by a client
Droit Immobilier

Concealment by a client

📅 Décision du 13 November 1997⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 20 vues📖 1 min de lecture

Concealment by a client does not preclude the notary from being ordered to indemnify him in part, in view of the professional fault committed by the latter.

Reference decision: cc • No. 95-20.123 • 13 November 1997 • Consult the decision →

This decision sheds important light on your property law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

Concealment by a client does not preclude the notary from being ordered to indemnify him in part, in view of the professional fault committed by the latter.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Points to remember

  • Scrupulously observe the statutory time limits for seeking redress
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, instruments, letters)
  • Anticipate: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

For an analysis of your situation: 30-min consultation at €45 with Maître Zakine.

📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Informations juridiques

  • Numéro: 95-20.123
  • Juridiction: Cour de cassation
  • Date de décision: 13 novembre 1997

Mots-clés

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Cas d'usage pratiques

1

First-time buyer discovers hidden damp after purchase

In Lyon, a first-time buyer purchases a flat for €250,000. Eight months later, severe damp and mould appear, causing €30,000 in repairs. The seller had concealed the issue, and the notary failed to check for mandatory diagnostic reports.

Application pratique:

Under the 1997 ruling, a notary’s professional fault can lead to partial liability even if the client concealed something. Here, the notary should have insisted on the diagnostics. You can claim damages from the notary for the repair costs. Gather all purchase documents and diagnostic records, then consult a property lawyer within five years of discovering the defect to initiate a claim.

2

Landlord loses investment property to pre-emption right

A landlord in Marseille buys a building for €500,000, planning to rent out flats. Six months later, the municipality exercises a pre-emption right that the seller had hidden, forcing a sale back to the council. The notary had not verified the right or informed the buyer.

Application pratique:

The 1997 case confirms that a notary’s failure to verify pre-emption risks can amount to a professional fault, even if the seller was fraudulent. You may recover part of your losses (e.g., legal fees, lost rental income) from the notary. Immediately notify your notary of the issue, gather all sale documents and correspondence, and seek legal advice to pursue a claim within the applicable time limits.

3

Co-owner loses cellar due to notary’s title error

During a property split in Paris, a co-owner pays an extra €15,000 for what was described as a private cellar. Later, the syndicate of co-owners reveals the cellar was common property. The seller concealed this, and the notary failed to check the co-ownership by-laws.

Application pratique:

The 1997 ruling establishes that a notary who neglects to verify title documents commits a fault, even if the client contributed to the error. You can claim partial compensation from the notary for the amount paid and related expenses. Collect the deed, co-ownership rules, and proof of payment, then promptly consult a solicitor to file an indemnity claim before the five-year prescription period expires.

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.

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