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Lack of legal basis the judgment which for
Droit Immobilier

Lack of legal basis the judgment which for

📅 Decision of 24 March 1982🔄 Updated on 4 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 29 views📖 2 min read

Lack of legal basis of the judgment which, in order to declare time-barred due to the expiry of the two-year guarantee period an action for the repair of defects, merely holds that the acceptance dates back to the date of provisional acceptance without investigating whether the execution of the works satisfied the reservations, set out in the subsequent final acceptance record and referred to in the submissions.

Reference decision: cc • N° 80-16.244 • 1982-03-24 • Consult the decision →

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

The situation

The judgment lacks legal basis which, in order to declare time-barred due to the expiry of the two-year guarantee period an action for the repair of defects, merely holds that the acceptance dates back to the date of provisional acceptance without investigating whether the execution of the works satisfied the reservations, set out in the subsequent final acceptance record and referred to in the submissions.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key takeaways

  • Strictly comply with legal deadlines for appeals
  • Keep all your supporting documents (deeds, 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: 80-16.244
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 24 March 1982

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudenceimmobilier

Practical use cases

1

First-time buyer facing two-year guarantee expiry

A couple in Lyon purchased a newly built house in 2021. Provisional acceptance was signed on 1 March 2021 with reservations about cracking walls. The developer only partially fixed them, and in 2023, more cracks appeared. The developer claims the two-year guarantee expired in March 2023.

Practical application:

Under the case law, the two-year guarantee does not automatically start from provisional acceptance if reservations were not fully satisfied. You should obtain the final acceptance record and any correspondence about the unresolved reservations. Notify the developer in writing that the guarantee period only begins once the reserved defects are properly repaired, so your claim is still valid. Seek legal advice immediately to assert your right to repairs under the guarantee.

2

Landlord's rental property with persistent plumbing defects

An investor in Bordeaux bought an off-plan flat in 2020 for rental income. Provisional acceptance was on 15 June 2020 with reservations about faulty plumbing. The builder's partial repairs failed, and a major leak occurred in July 2022. The builder argues the two-year guarantee expired in June 2022.

Practical application:

This case law clarifies that the guarantee's starting point is not the provisional acceptance if reservations remained unresolved. Collect all evidence proving the plumbing issues were part of the original reservations and were never fully rectified. Formally notify the builder that the guarantee period was suspended until proper completion of the reserved works, making your July 2022 claim timely. Consider consulting a solicitor to initiate legal proceedings if the builder refuses to undertake the necessary repairs.

3

Co-owners dispute over water infiltration guarantee deadline

In a new block of flats in Nice, co-owners have experienced water infiltration in the underground car park since completion in 2019. Provisional acceptance in September 2019 included reservations about waterproofing. The developer's attempts failed, and in February 2022, the syndic wanted to sue, but the developer claimed the two-year guarantee had expired.

Practical application:

According to the precedent, the two-year period does not commence from provisional acceptance when reservations like waterproofing are not fully resolved. The syndic must review the final acceptance report to confirm whether the reservation was ever lifted. Write to the developer stressing that the guarantee period started only when the waterproofing was adequately fixed, which has not yet occurred, so the claim is not time-barred. Engage a lawyer to represent the co-owners collectively and pursue compensation or repairs through legal channels.

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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