New rules on copropriétés

NEW rules have been laid down on the running of co-propriétés, ie. co-ownership buildings, such as blocks of flats with communal areas, of which there are eight million.

In particular the role of the syndic – the building’s managing agent – has been clarified.

A ministerial decree now states what services they have to provide as part of “everyday” activities making up the ordinary fee charged to co-owners.

These have been controversial because there has been variation in what syndics claim they consist of, meaning in some cases the basic fee was low, but tenants paid a lot more.

A list of 44 previously recommended by the CNC (National Consumer Council) is now obligatory.

Some consumer bodies have complained the list is not exhaustive enough, leaving a host of possible activities - eg. sending emails - still potentially billable.

The new rules also allow syndics to bill extra if the co-ownership building’s AGM is held out of office hours, or for storing certain papers not among a list of specified “useful” ones.