Droit Immobilier

If joint and several liability does not attach as of right

📅 Décision du 23 May 2007⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 4 vues📖 2 min de lecture

If joint and several liability does not attach as of right to the status of co-owner or to the fact that one of them acted as agent for the others, a clause of joint and several liability for payment of charges stipulated in co-ownership regulations is not prohibited between co-owners of a lot, whatever the origin of the co-ownership.

Reference decision: cc • No. 06-13.459 • 2007-05-23 • Consult the decision →

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

The situation

If joint and several liability does not attach as of right to the status of co-owner or to the fact that one of them acted as agent for the others, a clause of joint and several liability for payment of charges stipulated in co-ownership regulations is not prohibited between co-owners of a lot, whatever the origin of the co-ownership.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Points to remember

  • Scrupulously respect the statutory time limits for legal challenges
  • Keep all your supporting documents (deeds, instruments, correspondence)
  • Anticipate: preventive advice is always cheaper than a dispute

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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: 06-13.459
  • Juridiction: Cour de cassation
  • Date de décision: 23 mai 2007

Mots-clés

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Cas d'usage pratiques

1

Investor buying a rental flat with a partner

You and a business partner purchase a flat in Lyon for €250,000 to rent out, splitting the mortgage 50/50. The annual service charges are €3,200. The co-ownership règlement includes a joint and several liability clause for all charges.

Application pratique:

Under this case law, that clause is fully enforceable. If your partner fails to pay their half of the charges, the syndic can demand the full €3,200 from you alone. Before buying, obtain the règlement de copropriété, check for such a clause, and consider a separate indemnity agreement with your partner to recover any overpayment.

2

First-time buyer purchasing with a sibling

You and your sister buy a two-bedroom apartment in Bordeaux for €180,000. She loses her job after 8 months and stops contributing to the €2,400 annual co-ownership charges. The règlement contains a solidarité clause.

Application pratique:

The clause means you are jointly liable – the syndic can pursue you for the entire unpaid amount, not just your share. To protect yourself, request a copy of the règlement from the vendor early in the process. If a solidarité clause exists, insist on a clear financial arrangement with your sister, and keep proof of all payments you make on her behalf to claim reimbursement later.

3

Co-owner dispute over unpaid service charges

You inherited a 40% share of a holiday home in Nice with your cousin, who holds 60%. She has not paid the €1,800 quarterly charges for six months. The syndic sends you a formal mise en demeure for the full €3,600 debt, citing the règlement's joint liability clause.

Application pratique:

This 2007 Cour de cassation ruling confirms the clause is valid, so you can be forced to pay the entire arrears immediately. You must pay to avoid legal action and a potential lien on the property, then immediately send a recorded delivery letter to your cousin demanding reimbursement of her share. If she refuses, you can apply to the tribunal judiciaire for a contribution order, presenting all evidence of your payment and the règlement clause.

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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