...if you live in France
In many cases (dispute, complaint, burglary…) you need some proofs to defend your rights in various topics (insurances, housing, banking, consumption, income taxes, justice, health).
A new law (of June 17th 2008) reduces the deadlines for civil prescription.
Some of the documents you must keep more than 10 years: housing or vehicle insurance, life insurance
10 years minimum: bank statement, renovation of housing (contracts, bills…), payments of charges in condominium (“copropriété”)
Between 5 to 10 years: in case of damages/accidents (responsible or victim)
5 years minimum: bills for services (vehicle repairing, moving…), documents about income taxes, rent
Between 2 and 5 years: consumption or housing credit, documents about offences (“infractions”)
2 years minimum: electricity, gas bills and reimbursements for health care
Less than 2 years: internet/TV/phone bills, credit card tickets
April 2009
