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When a clause of a regulation of
Droit Immobilier

When a clause of a regulation of

📅 Decision of 03 May 1990🔄 Updated on 5 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 24 views📖 2 min read

When a clause of a co-ownership regulation regarding the apportionment of charges is deemed not written, the amendment of the regulation setting out the new apportionment, which may be decided by the general meeting of co-owners or, failing that, by court decision, can only apply for the future and can only take effect from the decision that ordered it.

Reference decision: cc • No. 88-18.877 • 1990-05-03 • Consult the decision →

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

The situation

When a clause of a co-ownership regulation regarding the apportionment of charges is deemed not written, the amendment of the regulation setting out the new apportionment, which may be decided by the general meeting of co-owners or, failing that, by court decision, can only apply for the future and can only take effect from the decision that ordered it.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key points to remember

  • Strictly comply with statutory time limits for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (titles, deeds, 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: 88-18.877
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 03 May 1990

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

Overcharged co-owner seeks refund for invalid charge apportionment

In a 50-unit condominium in Lyon, Mme Martin paid €2,400 annually in service charges under a clause that split costs by unit floor area. In 2023, a court declared the clause invalid, and the general meeting adopted a new fair-use apportionment from the court decision date. Mme Martin wants to reclaim €3,500 in overpayments from 2018–2023.

Practical application:

Because the original clause was deemed not written, any amendment can only apply prospectively—from the date of the court decision or general meeting vote. Mme Martin cannot recover past overpayments, as the new apportionment is not retroactive. She should verify the new method is correctly implemented and focus on future charges. If she believes the syndic (property manager) mismanaged the regulation, she may consider a separate action for damages, but this case law blocks retrospective correction.

2

First-time buyer uncovers potentially invalid charge clause in Nice flat

Sophie, a first-time buyer in Nice, is purchasing a flat in a 1960s co-ownership. The règlement de copropriété (co-ownership rules) splits lift maintenance costs equally among 20 lots, despite only ground-floor units using it. Her notary suspects the clause could be deemed 'unwritten' (reputée non écrite) if challenged. Sophie fears inheriting unfair charges.

Practical application:

Under this case law, if the equal-share clause is later struck down, any corrected apportionment would only operate from the decision date, with no backdating. This means Sophie could be stuck paying evenly until a correction is voted or ordered. Before buying, she should ask the syndic for a risk analysis and push the co-owners to amend the règlement voluntarily at the next AGM. Getting a proactive fix now avoids future disputes and ensures fair charges from her move-in date.

3

Landlord faces tenant dispute over service charges in Toulouse flat

M. Dupont, a landlord in Toulouse, rented his co-ownership flat from 2020–2023 under a lease allowing recovery of actual service charges. In 2022, a court invalidated the building's charge apportionment clause, and a 2023 general meeting vote increased his share by 15%. He wants to reclaim the shortfall from his former tenant for the pre-amendment period.

Practical application:

The decision confirms that a new apportionment takes effect only from the decision ordering it, so M. Dupont cannot retroactively bill the tenant at the higher rate. For the period before the amendment, the old (albeit invalid) apportionment governed recoverable charges. He should ensure future leases clearly reference the règlement in force and consider an escalation clause for potential reapportionments. Past shortfalls remain his loss unless he can prove separate liability, as retroactive correction is barred.

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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