Man does not have to pay for renovations as no quote signed in France

A man has been cleared of any wrongdoing after refusing to pay for completed renovations in his home because there was no signed estimate for the project.

He was cleared by the Cour de cassation, France’s highest judicial court.

The property owner had hired workers to install decorative masonry as part of an extension project at his home.

He paid two advance payments to the traders, which acted as a deposit and for them to carry out the work, but when the invoice was sent he did not pay, and stopped all contact with the

tradespeople.

The courts however sided with the homeowner because there was no proof of a signed quote for the project (devis signé) and only an invoice.

It said if there is no proof of agreement for the work, there is no justification for the homeowner to pay.

This is the case when works are partially or fully completed, or if the person ordering the work agrees ‘in principle’ to pay, and even – as in the case above – if payment is partially

fulfilled.

The traders argued that they had formed a friendly and informal relationship with the homeowner, which is why they did not get a signed estimate. However the court rejected this argument and

said a quote is mandatory at all times as legal protection.

A signed devis is the proof that is required for both parties, either to claim payment or demand works be carried out.

Quotes are required for most property renovations – and other activities – in France.

A quote from a tradesperson regarding renovation work must include:

Address where the activity will take place (usually the property)

Detailed breakdown, in quantity and price, of each service and products necessary for the planned operation, including description, unit price and description of what it applies to (labour

hours, linear metre or square metre surface area, etc) and the planned quantity of work

Aggregate amount payable both before and after taxes (including VAT)

More information can be found on the service publicwebsite (available in English).