Reviewing my rights

IS it illegal to discharge rainwater onto your neighbour’s property? I find myself in this situation and am being subjected to great discomfort, flooding etc. J.L.

Article 681 of the Code Civil states that it is illegal for rainwater to pour off your roof onto a neighbour’s land.

On the other hand, if rainwater falling on your neighbour’s land then runs onto yours by way of the natural slope of the land, then the neighbour is not considered at fault (article 640)

If the problem cannot be resolved amicably, the options include using the conciliateur (local mediation) service, or taking the neighbour to court (tribunal d’instance), where they could be fined.