The obligation to respect the delivery time
If you are a service provider, Cabinet Cécile ZAKINE invites you to respect your obligations regarding delivery times:
The company must have indicated before signing the contract the deadline by which it undertakes to deliver the work (Article L 111-1 of the Consumer Code).
The contract is formed when the quotation is signed because this signature constitutes the manifestation of consent.
Therefore, the date should be included at the time of signing the quotation.
You should know that in the absence of any mention in an accepted estimate of a time limit for execution or a date for the start of the work, the contractor must execute the work, or at least start it, within a reasonable period of time, which starts from the date of the estimate (Cass., civ., 3e, 29
Sept. 2016, No. 15-18.238).
If the deadline is exceeded, a letter of formal notice should be sent to avoid too much delay or a abandonment of site.
The reasonable period for performing the promised service is assessed from the date of the estimate and not from the date of sending a formal notice to the company.
However, this period is determined by the size of the work, the environment of the site and the technical difficulties of the construction methods.
If the delay is too great, the contract should be terminated unless, of course, the company is negotiated amicably.
It will be necessary, during the course of a project that has been too late, to have a bailiff's report drawn up in order to claim damages (if the delay has caused a prejudice) or penalties for delay (although these must be expressly provided for in the estimate or in a contract) or because the delay has turned into an abandonment of the project.
Frequently asked questions
What to do if a service provider does not meet the delivery deadline?
You can put the service provider on notice to perform within a reasonable time, then claim damages or terminate the contract. A lawyer can assist you.
Can I Cancel a Contract if the Delivery Deadline Is Not Met?
Yes, if the deadline was essential (strict deadline), you can terminate the contract. Otherwise, you must put the service provider on notice before canceling.
What are the legal deadlines for delivering a property or service?
The deadline must be stated in the contract. Failing that, the service provider must perform within a reasonable time (assessed by the judge). In consumer law, the maximum deadline is 30 days unless agreed otherwise.
What to do if the contract does not mention a delivery date?
The service provider must perform within a reasonable time. In case of delay, you can put them on notice. A lawyer can help you determine this deadline.
How much does a lawsuit cost for non-compliance with deadlines?
Fees vary depending on complexity. Maître Zakine offers an initial consultation at €150 to evaluate your file and give you an estimate of costs.
To go further
📅 Mis à jour le 27/07/2026 — Par Maître Cécile Zakine, avocate et Docteur en Droit à Antibes. ☎ 06 21 69 91 77.
Lawyer in Antibes, registered with the Grasse Bar. Intervenes throughout France. Labour law, Litigation at work. Real estate litigation and co-ownership law. Construction problems (VEFA,..)Fast, motivated and committed response. Do not hesitate to contact the lawyer in Antibes: Maitre Zakine. or to make an appointment online for a consultation.
Possible consultation 45€/ 30 min by phone for a first consultation
