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The judge in chambers seised of a
Droit Immobilier

The judge in chambers seised of a

📅 Décision du 05 July 1978⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 11 vues📖 2 min de lecture

The judge in chambers seised of an application for eviction pursuant to an express forfeiture clause against the subtenant of commercial premises who had not registered with the commercial register, determines a serious dispute by granting this application whereas a previous subtenant still occupying the premises contended in support of her intervention in the proceedings that the landlord had procured the conclusion of successive leases of less than two years, signed by different persons with a view to defrauding the commercial lease legislation and knew that the alleged subtenant was merely a nominee carrying on a profession incompatible with the commercial activity stated in the lease.

Reference decision: cc • No. 77-12.363 • 1978-07-05 • View the decision →

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

The situation

The judge in chambers seised of an application for eviction pursuant to an express forfeiture clause against the subtenant of commercial premises who had not registered with the commercial register, determines a serious dispute by granting this application whereas a previous subtenant still occupying the premises contended in support of her intervention in the proceedings that the landlord had procured the conclusion of successive leases of less than two years, signed by different persons with a view to defrauding the commercial lease legislation and knew that the alleged subtenant was merely a nominee carrying on a profession incompatible with the commercial activity stated in the lease.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Points to remember

  • Strictly comply with the statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, instruments, correspondence)
  • Anticipate: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

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

  • Numéro: 77-12.363
  • Juridiction: Cour de cassation
  • Date de décision: 05 juillet 1978

Mots-clés

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Cas d'usage pratiques

1

Landlord evicts unregistered subtenant in Lyon

You own a commercial unit in Lyon's 6th arrondissement, leased to a limited company since 2018. The tenant sublet the premises in 2022 to a pop-up retail business without your consent, and the subtenant never registered with the commercial register. You have a written lease containing an express forfeiture clause allowing eviction for any breach.

Application pratique:

The 1978 decision confirms that a judge can grant summary eviction based on an express forfeiture clause, even if the subtenant argues the lease was fraudulent. Here, the subtenant's lack of registration is a clear breach. Serve formal notice to the tenant to remedy the breach within one month; if unmet, apply to the tribunal judiciaire's judge in chambers for eviction. Keep copies of the lease, the forfeiture clause, and proof of subtenancy without consent and non-registration.

2

Unregistered subtenant risks fast eviction in Marseille

You run a small bookshop in a commercial space in Marseille's Panier district, subletting from the main tenant since January 2024. You didn't realise you needed to register with the commercial register, and the main tenant never told you. The landlord has just served you with an eviction notice citing an express forfeiture clause in the head lease.

Application pratique:

This case law shows that your lack of registration can lead to a swift eviction order without a full trial, even if you claim the head lease was structured to avoid commercial lease protections. You should immediately apply for commercial registration and negotiate with the landlord to regularise your position, perhaps by offering a direct lease. Seek legal advice to challenge the forfeiture if the landlord knew or should have known of the subletting and accepted rent, as this might create a serious dispute preventing summary judgment.

3

Buyer discovers fraudulent subtenancy in Bordeaux

You are purchasing a retail property in Bordeaux's rue Sainte-Catherine, currently tenanted by a clothing shop. During due diligence, you find that the shop is actually occupied by an unregistered subtenant operating a phone repair business, while the named tenant is a dormant company. The lease has an express forfeiture clause.

Application pratique:

Before completing the purchase, you can use this case law to demand that the seller evict the subtenant via summary proceedings. If the seller refuses, negotiate a purchase price reduction reflecting the risk and costs of eviction. After acquisition, if you become the landlord, immediately serve a forfeiture notice on the tenant for unauthorised subletting and the subtenant's non-registration, then apply to the judge in chambers for eviction as per the 1978 decision. Ensure you have all documents proving the breaches.

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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