Frenchleaseback: a hot topic for the British Press

The British press is writing on the hot topic of the eviction indemnities demanded by the operators of Frenchleaseback, even after a written waiver. Today, the Telegraph.

PIERRE ET VACANCES is obviously the first to be targeted. The indignation of British and Irish lessors is justified. The lies of companies benefiting from tax advantages are unforgivable. They lead buyers to believe that the French government supports them, which is not true. These are private companies, even if they are benefiting from influential political networks. Our law firm defends more than 450 property owners who are victims of these legal issues, particularly in the resorts of the French Alps (Les Arcs, La Plagne, Val d’Isère, Vallandry, etc.) and Provence and the French Riviera. Don’t hesitate to ask your free question to a firm that is truly specialised in Frenchleaseback and exclusively in defending lessors.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

1. Eviction Indemnities and Waivers:

There is concern from British and Irish property owners about demands for eviction indemnities from operators, even when these operators have signed written waivers. The last case law suggests that despite the existence of agreements that should limit or waive these indemnities, operators may still be trying to claim them.

This practice lead to legal disputes, where the lessors feel they are being unfairly treated or misled.

2. Criticism of Companies Like Pierre et Vacances:

Pierre et Vacances, a major player in the leaseback market, is at the center of this controversy. The press accuses the company, and others like it, of misleading buyers by making it appear as though the French government supports their activities, while in fact, these are private companies.

3. Indignation of Lessors:

The two articles reflects strong resentment from British and Irish lessors, who feel they have been deceived by the companies taking advantage of the tax benefits offered by the French leaseback scheme.

4. Defending Lessors:

There are law firms specialized in defending lessors facing these legal challenges.

Key Legal Concerns:

Breach of Contract:

The issue of demanding eviction indemnities after waivers have been signed could be seen as a breach of contract, potentially giving rise to claims by lessors for enforcement of contractual terms.

Misrepresentation: If companies like Pierre et Vacances are leading buyers to believe that the French government supports their practices, when in fact they do not, this could constitute misrepresentation or misleading commercial practices.

Legal Strategy for Lessors:

Contractual Review:

Lessors affected by these issues may need to carefully review their leaseback contracts, especially the clauses regarding eviction, indemnities, and waivers.

Potential Litigation:

Affected lessors could consider collective or individual legal action against the operators, potentially citing breach of contract, misrepresentation, or unfair commercial practices.

Expert Legal Assistance:

The choice of a law firm specialized in defending lessors is important for property owners to seek legal advice from firms with experience in this niche area, particularly those familiar with French leaseback laws.

Please feel free to ask us any question here.

Article 1:

The Telegraph about Frenchleaseback : Britons with buy-to-lets in France face shock £100k tax bills

Article 2

The Daily mail about Frenchleaseback : Britons who own French holiday homes could be forced to pay up to £170,000 and have retirements ruined due to legal U-turn