One of the most mysterious French institutions for foreign residents here is the syndic who administers many blocks of apartments and makes quarterly demands on the owners concerned to fork out funds for the upkeep of the building. Although many syndics are totally honest, some aren’t and there is considerable obscurity in their billing and in their accounts.

I’ve just heard from Karel who has sold his studio close to us here in Mougins. He had always paid his charges on time and was surprised as the sale went through to receive a demand from his syndic for some 2000 euros, mainly in respect of what was termed prévisions pour charges. He was astounded to hear from the notaire that the payment for the sale of his studio would be frozen until he settled the syndic’s demand. Well, that’s just illegal—and the notaire is either incompetent or dishonest (and in cahoots with the syndic?). As to the 2000 euros, Karel should be able to reclaim this sum—but the syndic could continue to hang on to it for a long time. In general, my advice is that if there’s any suspicion that a building is being run by a dubious outfit they should be harassed without mercy. Unfortunately, there’s little legal recourse available. A few years ago the fraud squad in Nice looked into the affairs of some 100 syndics along the Coast. A significant number were found to be up to a variety of financial trickery. There wasn’t a single prosecution. These guys are well-connected…

From Reporter 93 - Oct/Nov 2002

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