Cluster info · Construction guarantees

Ten-year liability for a new-build apartment

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By Edouard Hennin, Provisional reception expert
Published on 27 May 2026 Updated on 27 May 2026 7 min read

Ten-year liability applied to a new-build apartment follows co-ownership logic: distinct actions depending on whether the defect concerns the common or the private areas.

1. Common areas

Roof, façade, structure, lift, foundations: ten-year liability applies for the owners’ association. The syndic acts on the mandate of the general meeting.

2. Private areas

Underfloor heating, bathroom waterproofing, private cracks: each co-owner acts individually. See also general ten-year liability.

3. Practical difficulties

Identifying the origin of the defect (common or private) is often disputed. An initial expert assessment settles the matter and avoids parallel proceedings.

Ten-year co-ownership audit.

Common questions

Who acts for the common areas?
The syndic, mandated by the general meeting of co-owners.
And for the private areas?
Each co-owner individually against the builder.

Ten-year in co-ownership: collective audit

Our expert acts on behalf of the owners' association and shares the cost.