Commentary on Order No. 18318 of 2024: Clarifications on Damages for Delayed Return in Lease

The recent Order No. 18318 of July 4, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important clarifications regarding leasing, particularly concerning the quantification of damages for the delayed return of the property. This ruling fits into an already rich legal context of decisions, but it is fundamental for legal practitioners and landlords, as it establishes clear parameters for calculating damages based on the rental fee.

The Context of the Ruling

The Court examined a case in which the landlord, represented by the state attorney, requested compensation for damages arising from the tenant's failure to return a property. Specifically, the central issue was whether the damage should be calculated solely based on the agreed rent or whether it should also include any adjustments according to ISTAT indices, as provided by the lease contract.

  • The Court established that the damage under Article 1591 of the Civil Code must be based on the agreed rent.
  • It is necessary to include the ISTAT adjustment, if provided for in the contract, without the landlord having to formally request it.
  • Interest on the amounts due begins from the individual monthly occupation deadlines.
Entitlement - Request from the landlord - Necessity - Exclusion - Interest - Entitlement - Commencement. In the context of leasing, the damage under Article 1591 of the Civil Code must be based on the agreed rent and, consequently, must also include the adjustment according to ISTAT indices, if provided for in the contract, without the need for formal notice and even if the landlord has not made an express request. Additionally, interest on the amounts due shall accrue from the individual monthly occupation deadlines.

Analysis of the Maxim

The maxim reported in the order offers significant points for reflection. Firstly, the fact that the damage must be based on the agreed rent means that the landlord is entitled to receive compensation that takes into account not only the amount established in the contract but also any variations due to the ISTAT adjustment. This aspect is crucial, as parties often tend to forget that contractual updates are an integral part of lease discipline.

Secondly, the Court excluded the necessity for a formal request from the landlord for the adjustment, making it easier to recover the amounts due. This means that the landlord is not obliged to send a specific communication to assert their right to the adjustment, significantly simplifying the procedures for claiming compensation.

Conclusions

In summary, Order No. 18318 of 2024 represents an important reference point for landlords and industry professionals. It clarifies that in calculating damages for the delayed return of a property, not only must the rent be considered, but also the adjustments provided for in the contract. The Court of Cassation's decision not to require formal notice and to recognize the right to interest is an additional advantage for landlords, who can thus better protect their rights in case of tenant default.

Bianucci Law Firm