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Legislation on Leases
Droit Immobilier

Legislation on Leases

📅 Decision of 25 August 2026🔄 Updated on 11 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 15 views📖 2 min read

The legislation on commercial leases aims to protect the business goodwill, and not the right to the lease; the courts have full discretion to assess the amount of eviction compensation, which includes in particular the market value of the business. A decision is legally justified that, after determining the market value of the business, takes into account, in order to increase the compensation, the favourable location of the premises where the lease did not allow use for all types of business, and the increase in value acquired by the leasehold right as a result of the Law of 12 May 1965, which allows obtaining authorisation to carry on activities not provided for in the contract.

Reference decision: cc • No. 68-11.295 • 1970-02-27 • View the decision →

This decision provides important insight into your property law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

The legislation on commercial leases aims to protect the business goodwill, and not the right to the lease; the courts have full discretion to assess the amount of eviction compensation, which includes in particular the market value of the business. A decision is legally justified that, after determining the market value of the business, takes into account, in order to increase the compensation, the favourable location of the premises where the lease did not allow use for all types of business, and the increase in value acquired by the leasehold right as a result of the Law of 12 May 1965, which allows obtaining authorisation to carry on activities not provided for in the contract.

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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Legal information

  • Number: 68-11.295
  • Court: Cour de cassation

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Bakery tenant in Lyon faces eviction

A tenant has run a bakery for 8 years under a commercial lease in Lyon's Presqu'île district. The landlord refuses to renew the lease and offers no compensation. The tenant's business has strong goodwill, a prime location, and an authorisation obtained under the 1965 law to sell sandwiches and coffee in addition to bread and pastries.

Practical application:

Under this case law, eviction compensation must include the market value of the business, with specific weight given to favourable location and the increased value of the leasehold right arising from the extended permitted activities. The tenant should instruct a property valuer to assess the business as a going concern, gathering evidence of turnover, location advantages, and the 1965 law authorisation. The tenant must act within the statutory two-year limitation period after refusal to renew and keep all correspondence and lease documents. A formal claim for eviction compensation should then be filed, quantifying these elements separately.

2

Bordeaux landlord evicts boutique for redevelopment

A landlord owns a ground-floor retail unit on Rue Sainte-Catherine in Bordeaux, leased to a clothing boutique for 12 years. The landlord wants to terminate the lease at expiry and redevelop the building. The tenant has built significant goodwill, and although the lease originally permitted only clothing sales, the tenant has obtained permission to sell accessories and shoes, increasing the leasehold value.

Practical application:

This decision confirms that if the landlord evicts the tenant, the eviction compensation must reflect the market value of the business, including goodwill, the prime retail location, and the uplift in leasehold value from the broadened permitted activities under the 1965 law. The landlord should commission an expert valuation before serving notice, calculating the likely indemnité d'éviction including these factors. To reduce liability, the landlord could offer a renewal with amended terms or negotiate a voluntary buyout. The landlord must serve notice of non-renewal at least six months before lease expiry and retain all lease documents and communications.

3

Investor buying Marseille premises with restaurant tenant

An investor is purchasing a retail unit in Marseille's Vieux-Port area, occupied by a successful restaurant under a commercial lease nearing expiry. If the investor does not renew the lease, the tenant may claim eviction compensation. The investor needs to understand the potential financial exposure before completing the purchase.

Practical application:

The case law establishes that eviction compensation includes the market value of the business, with adjustments for the favourable location and any increase in leasehold value due to authorisations under the 1965 law for activities not originally in the lease. Before purchase, the investor should obtain a full valuation of the restaurant as a going concern, including goodwill and location premium, and verify whether the tenant has obtained any extension of permitted activities. This amount must be factored into the purchase price or used to negotiate a renewal or buyout with the tenant. The investor should also preserve all pre-contract documents and seek legal advice on eviction compensation exposure to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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