Switching real estate networks: what happens to your mandates and commissions?

Why mandates do not simply “follow” the advisor

In France, a real estate commercial agent negotiates on behalf of an estate agent who holds the professional card. The cardholder applies for the agent’s authorisation certificate, which allows the agent to negotiate and make commitments on the cardholder’s behalf. The real estate mandate is governed by the Hoguet law and entered in the professional’s mandate register.

Practical consequence: your personal relationship with a seller is not enough to move their mandate to a new brand. Check the principal named in the document, its duration, its clauses and the client’s wishes. Do not continue marketing under a new authorisation until the framework has been regularised.

Official references consulted: Service Public Entreprendre, “Becoming a self-employed commercial agent”, authorisation certificate and Article 72 of Decree no. 72-678 on the mandate register.

Commissions after leaving: entitlement to follow-on commission is not automatic

Article L. 134-7 of the French Commercial Code provides that commission may remain due for a transaction concluded after the agency contract ends in two cases: where it is mainly attributable to the agent’s activity during the contract and is concluded within a reasonable period, or where the third party’s order was received before termination under the conditions set out in the legislation.

This rule does not provide an answer without reviewing the case. The date of the mandate, the source of the contact, viewings, the offer, the preliminary contract, completion, receipt of the fees and the remuneration clauses may all matter. Ask the network you are leaving for a written position on each transaction and keep the authorised evidence of your involvement.

Official legislation: Article L. 134-7 of the French Commercial Code. Service Public also notes that the commercial agent’s remuneration is primarily set by the contract and that the principal must provide the accounting documents needed to calculate commissions.

The table to prepare before giving notice

This table is a preparation tool, not a legal conclusion. Only include information you are authorised to keep and hand over cases according to the procedure set out in your contract.

Notice: first read the period and method of notification

For a commercial agency contract covered by the statutory regime, Service Public states notice periods of one month during the first year, two months during the second, then three months from the third year onwards; the parties may provide for a longer period. However, the nature of the contract, its term, its clauses and the reason for termination must be checked before applying these benchmarks.

Also reread the required form of notice, the effective date, return of equipment, access to tools, confidentiality and any non-compete clause. If a clause is unclear or a dispute arises, have your documents reviewed by a legal professional.

Official source: Service Public Entreprendre, termination of the commercial agency contract. The text of Article L. 134-11 of the French Commercial Code sets out the periods applicable to an open-ended contract.

Client database: do not confuse a human relationship with a right of use

An address book, CRM export or message history contains personal data. It cannot be freely transferred or reused. The CNIL notes that transferring contacts to another organisation requires, in particular, informing the individuals and, for certain forms of marketing, obtaining their prior consent. Since 11 August 2026, marketing calls to consumers in principle require their prior consent, except for calls relating to an ongoing contract.

Before exporting anything, identify the data controller, the original purpose, the consents available, any objections and the confidentiality clauses. The safest approach is to obtain a written procedure from the network you are leaving and, if necessary, prepare a new transparent collection process with the new network.

Official source updated on 10 June 2026: CNIL, transferring data to partners for B2C marketing.

A six-step transition

1. Gather the documents: contract, amendments, commission scale, departure rules and certificates.
2. Map your cases: a dated table, without deciding for yourself that you are entitled to payment.
3. Ask for written answers: outcome of each case, calculation, required documents and timetable.
4. Prepare client continuity: who informs the client, who follows up and under whose responsibility.
5. Secure the data: no export or reuse without authorisation and verification of the applicable framework.
6. Plan your arrival: new authorisation, tools, training and a gradual return to activity.

This method helps you avoid choosing a new network solely on the basis of an advertised rate. To compare total cost, tools, autonomy and support, also read our guide to choosing a real estate network.

Frequently Asked Questions

To explore your decision further

• Compare two networks or agencies using the same criteria →
• Understand an iad property advisor’s remuneration →
• Understand the sponsor’s role at iad →

Guillaume RoqueIndependent iad France property adviser and La Tribu Immo team manager.

Legal information checked on 28 September 2026 against the official sources cited. This article provides general guidance and does not replace a review of your contracts or tailored legal advice.