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The lessee, unless an express condition
Droit Immobilier

The lessee, unless an express condition

📅 Decision of 13 July 1994🔄 Updated on 18 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 17 views📖 2 min read

The lessee, unless an express condition set out in the lease, is not obliged, where the renewal of the commercial lease has been refused, to remain in the premises until payment of the eviction indemnity.

Reference decision: Court of Cassation • No. 92-10.536 • 13 July 1994 • View the decision →

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

The situation

The lessee, unless an express condition set out in the lease, is not obliged, where the renewal of the commercial lease has been refused, to remain in the premises until payment of the eviction indemnity.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points

  • Strictly comply with the statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, instruments, correspondence)
  • Be proactive: 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: 92-10.536
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 13 July 1994

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Tenant leaves premises after renewal refusal

A Lyon boutique owner holds a commercial lease (annual rent €45,000) since 2015. Landlord refused renewal in January 2025, but insists tenant must remain until an eviction indemnity is paid, which could take months.

Practical application:

Under this Cassation ruling, unless the lease contains an express clause requiring you to stay, you are not obliged to remain in the premises after the landlord refuses renewal, even before receiving the eviction indemnity. You should formally notify the landlord in writing of your intention to vacate immediately, citing this decision. Keep dated photos and inventory of the premises condition upon departure. You can then pursue your eviction indemnity claim separately without being trapped in the property.

2

Landlord surprised by tenant's immediate departure

A Paris property owner rents a ground-floor commercial unit to a café (monthly rent €6,000, lease from 2018). Owner refuses renewal in March 2025, expecting tenant to stay until indemnity is settled; tenant moves out next week, leaving premises vacant.

Practical application:

As a landlord, you cannot force the tenant to stay unless the lease specifically states that the tenant must remain until eviction indemnity is paid. Review the lease now for any such clause; if absent, accept the tenant's departure and do not attempt to block it. Document the condition of the premises immediately to avoid later disputes over dilapidations. You will still owe an eviction indemnity to the tenant, so start calculating it without delay.

3

Agent handles indemnity after tenant vacates

A commercial property manager in Marseille oversees a retail unit leased to a pharmacy (annual rent €60,000) since 2012. Landlord refused renewal in February 2025; tenant vacated at end of month without waiting for eviction indemnity, and now claims €180,000.

Practical application:

This ruling confirms the tenant had the right to leave before receiving any indemnity, so the departure was lawful unless the lease had an express condition. As the manager, you should immediately gather the lease, any renewal correspondence, and the tenant's departure notice to verify if such a clause exists. If no clause, advise the landlord that the tenant's claim for indemnity is still valid and must be addressed. Prepare a detailed calculation of the eviction indemnity based on the business's turnover and market value, and consider negotiating a settlement to avoid litigation.

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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