Chapter I: Immovable property liens

Real estate liens are granted by law. They are general. They are exempt from the formality of registration. The legal provisions governing them are to be interpreted strictly. They give the right to be preferred to other creditors but do not confer a right of pursuit. Where the lien also relates to the general movables of the debtor, it is exercised over immovables only in the absence of sufficient movables.

Other than those provided for by special laws, preferential claims on the generality of immovable property are: 1° Legal costs, on condition that they have benefited the creditor to whom the lien is opposed; 2° The following remuneration and indemnities: the remuneration, for the last six months, of employees and apprentices; the deferred salary, for the year due and for the current year, instituted by the article L. 321-13 du…

General liens take precedence over the preferential right attached to pledges of real property and mortgages. They are exercised in the order of article 2377.