-
New agreement to help with home renovations launches in Dordogne
The plan aims to connect citizens with local public renovation services to modernise old housing stock
-
Hosting scheme in south-west France lets newcomers sample lifestyle
Households in nine Dordogne communes volunteer under Mes Nouveaux Voisins scheme
-
How long does it take to sell property in different areas of France? New study
Many major cities are showing signs of recovery when it comes to supply, demand, prices, and time to sell
Neighbours are not liable for storm damage in France
Partner article: A reader's question answered on whether a French property owner is eligible for compensation available from a neighbour after storm damage

Reader question: Can I get compensation from neighbours after storm damage?
According to a recent court case, storm damage is excluded from the usual cases where a neighbour can be held liable.
The case centred on a landslide from the neighbour’s land, which happened during a storm. Mud, rocks and other debris destroyed the property boundary wall, and damaged the house and garden of the complainant.
He claimed the neighbour’s civil responsibility insurance should pay for cleaning up the landslide, and for reinforcing the sloping ground it came from to avoid it happening again. He also asked for damage relating to laws for troubles anormaux de voisinage (unusual neighbour disturbances).
But the neighbour argued the matter could not be judged by courts, noting the storm was so bad it had been declared a catastrophe naturelle. He said the event was a one-off, outside his control, unforeseeable and he could do nothing about it. He added that, storm aside, the land had posed no risk.
The case was decided in France’s highest court, the Cour de Cassation, which agreed with the owner of the landslide land. It ruled no court could judge the damage claim, because the situation was solely the result of the storm and not any action by the owner.
Author: Sarah Bright-Thomas, Bright Avocats. Bright Avocats provides French legal advice
Related stories
French property: Who is responsible for the upkeep of a shared wall?
What is law in France on neighbour's trees growing into my property?