New owners are often surprised: there is an unpleasant surprise hidden in this document

It is best to read all the small print carefully when signing at the notary's office.

Becoming a homeowner is often a lifelong project. Viewing after viewing, multiple appointments and paperwork, reading dozens of documents... So many steps before signing and collecting the keys can sometimes be overwhelming. For some, it can be overwhelming, even if they don't read all the details and end up being taken by surprise.

Many have had bitter experiences of this, as they recounted in messages posted on a homeowners' forum. Several months after moving in, they received a bill they could have done without. The notary had anticipated it, however. It was still necessary to read the fine print of the preliminary agreement, then the deed of sale.

These documents are essential. The first lists all the conditions under which a transaction is carried out; the second formalizes it. These legal documents are composed of many pages, each read one after the other by the notary. They detail the property, the purchase price, and the obligations of the seller and buyer. As such, one section must be examined carefully because it can impact the finances of the new owner of an apartment or condominium.

Each year, the trustees close and approve the condominium accounts with a slight delay. This can lead to an overpayment, or, conversely, a shortfall in the coffers. In the first case, the trustee reimburses the money; in the second, they claim what's owed. But after a sale, who bears these costs?

A line in the compromise and the deed of sale states that "the purchaser will be responsible for any overpayment or underpayment, without having to take it into account with the seller." Then: "With regard to previous years, all sums that could be due or returned, in respect of charges, even if the trustee's request for payment occurred after the signing of the authentic deed, will be the responsibility of or benefit the purchaser."

In concrete terms, this means that from the day of the final signing at the notary's office, the new owner is responsible for all co-ownership charges, even from previous years, both surpluses and shortfalls.

An example: Mr. Durand purchased his apartment on February ^1, 2025. At the beginning of April, the trustee closed the accounts for the 2023-2024 financial year. There is a balance of 250 euros to pay. It is up to Mr. Durand to pay it, even though he was not present.

While the rule is to leave these adjustments to the new owner, it may be agreed that the seller will pay these costs. This must be specified in the preliminary agreement, then the deed of sale. Otherwise, the invoice will be sent to the current owner, regardless of the amount.