Two cumulative deadlines. For a property, the DOC gives you two years from delivery of the property and, in any event, five years from the conclusion of the sale (art. 573, as amended by Law No. 40-24 promulgated by Dahir No. 1-24-38 of 7 August 2024). Beyond that, the action is time-barred. If you suspect a defect, get an expert inspection immediately.
Legal framework in Morocco
Four cumulative conditions apply under DOC articles 549-571:
- Severity: defect renders the property unfit or materially reduces its use.
- Pre-existence: the defect existed before the sale, even if it appeared later.
- Non-apparent: not visible on a normal buyer inspection.
- Non-disclosed: the seller did not inform the buyer.
Additional protections: Law 31-08 (consumer protection) and Law 44-00 VEFA (developer 1-year perfect completion guarantee + 10-year decennial guarantee).
Most frequent hidden defects
Structural cracks
Active / evolving, through-cracks on load-bearing walls — possible foundation or settlement issue.
Dampness / infiltration
Roof leaks, capillary rise, chronic condensation, mould — often waterproofing or ventilation failures.
Terrace / roof waterproofing
Revealed with first heavy rains. Impacts ceilings on lower floors.
Foundation defects
Undersized, expansive soil, high water table. Costly to fix.
Electrical / gas non-compliance
Does not meet NM or CEI standards. Fire / explosion risk.
Poor sound insulation
Sold as 'insulated' but impact noise audible — missing acoustic underlayment.
Asbestos / lead
Pre-1997 construction: hidden asbestos in ceilings, lead in paints.
Termites / parasites
Coastal / humid zones. Invisible galleries in timber beams and roof frames.
Our methodology — 5 steps
- Consultation (30 min video) — context, initial clues, strategy.
- On-site contradictory inspection — photos, measurements, non-destructive testing (crack gauge, moisture meter).
- Further investigations if required — destructive sampling, laboratory testing, topographic surveys.
- Expert report — 20-50 pages: defect description, cause, pre-existence, severity, repair cost. Produced by RICS-certified experts.
- Judicial follow-up — report deposited with court; appearances as technical witness.
Related services
Apparent defects pre-handover inspection
B2BTechnical due diligence pre-acquisition
ValuationRICS property appraisal Morocco
Urgent? The art. 573 clock is ticking.
Free quote within 24h. Visit within 5-7 days. Report documented and verifiable line by line.