“Legal mortgages”

Through « Legal mortgages » (literally, “Hypothèques légales”), workers who have participated in the building of a property (carpenters, architects, masons, electricians, etc.) can legally prosecute the owner in case of non-payment, with the property serving as a guarantee.

The « Legal mortgages » will show on the land registery document. In case the non-payment of a bill sustain, the worker could require the selling of the property in order to be paid (happens in very rare occasions).

Tax authorities also have the right to claim certain unpaid taxes through « Legal mortgages».

When acquiring a property, you’ll need to make sure, through the selling contract, that you will not be held accountable for previous « Legal mortgages » that you are not responsible for.