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Liability of a Co-ownership Syndicate Under Article 14 of Law No. 65-557 of 10 July 1965 Does Not Preclude the Tortious Liability of a Co-owner
Droit Immobilier

Liability of a Co-ownership Syndicate Under Article 14 of Law No. 65-557 of 10 July 1965 Does Not Preclude the Tortious Liability of a Co-owner

📅 Decision of 26 January 2022🔄 Updated on 17 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 35 views📖 1 min read

The liability of a co-ownership syndicate under Article 14 of the 1965 law does not exclude the tortious liability incurred by a co-owner.

Reference decision: cc • No. 20-23.614 • 2022-01-26 • View the decision →

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

The situation

The liability of a co-ownership syndicate under Article 14 of Law No. 65-557 of 10 July 1965 does not preclude the tortious liability incurred by a co-owner.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points

  • Scrupulously respect legal time limits for appeal
  • Keep all your supporting documents (deeds, legal instruments, correspondence)
  • Plan ahead: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

For an analysis of your situation: 30-minute 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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Legal information

  • Number: 20-23.614
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 26 January 2022

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Water damage from co-owner's leaky pipe in Lyon

In a Lyon co-ownership building, a co-owner's poorly maintained plumbing causes a leak, damaging the flat below. Repair costs are estimated at €4,500. The syndicate refuses to pay, claiming it's solely the co-owner's fault.

Practical application:

The court ruling clarifies that both the co-owner (for personal negligence) and the syndicate (for common area damage if the leak affected shared structures) can be held responsible. Demand the syndicate file an insurance claim for common areas while separately pursuing the co-owner's liability insurer. Keep all repair quotes, photos, and correspondence for legal proof.

2

Tenant's noise nuisance in Marseille common areas

A buy-to-let owner in Marseille rents out her flat. Her tenant regularly hosts loud parties in the co-ownership's common garden, disturbing neighbours. The syndicate threatens legal action against the landlord for the tenant's behaviour.

Practical application:

Under this precedent, the syndicate can be liable for failing to enforce rules on common areas, but the landlord-co-owner also incurs personal liability for the tenant's disturbances. Serve formal notice to the tenant, notify your insurer, and negotiate with the syndicate to split security costs. Document all complaints to show proactive management.

3

Hidden defect discovered after buying in Paris

A first-time buyer purchases a flat in Paris for €320,000. One year later, a concealed electrical fault in the common supply closet causes a fire, damaging his flat (€8,000 repairs). The syndicate blames the former owner's illegal wiring.

Practical application:

The case law means you can claim against both the syndicate (for failing to maintain common areas) and the previous owner (for hidden defects). Hire a court-appointed expert to establish causation, then send registered letters of demand to both parties' insurers. This dual route increases your chance of full compensation without a lengthy lawsuit.

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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