In France, the Civil Code gives a legal system for décennale liability: There are the articles 1792 & 2270.

This liability concerns all builders (the contractors, the architects, the engineers and the manufacturers) and it applies to all types of construction works.

It is a strict liability for ten years from practical completion.

This liability targets structural or non-structural defects if works are “unfit for their intended purpose”.

In addition, there is a guarantee of two years from practical completion of the works for building equipment defects.

The French insurance Code says that this liability must be insured by a compulsory insurance for building works, called 'dommages ouvrage'.

Moreover, all developers and owners must also take an insurance policy for the décennale damages. This coverage is called 'responsabilité civile décennale'.