Electronic signature of a mandate

What is a mandate?

A mandate is a legal document by which one person (the mandator) authorises another (the mandatary) to act on their behalf. There are many types of mandates:

• sales mandate (property)

• property management mandate

• ad litem mandate (solicitor)

• SEPA mandate (direct debit)

• securities mandate

• various powers of attorney

All can be signed electronically, with appropriate security levels.

Recommended signature level

• SEPA mandate: SES is sufficient (operational importance)

• Sales or management mandate: AES (legal and commercial importance)

• Ad litem mandate: AES minimum, QES for solicitor acts within the meaning of article 1374 of the Civil Code

• Securities mandate: AES, often with KYC

Procedure

• Draft the mandate with its mandatory provisions (identity of parties, purpose, duration, remuneration if applicable)

• Attach annexes (bank details for SEPA, surveys for property sales mandate)

• Send for signature with the appropriate level

• Archive the signed mandate for the appropriate duration (often 10 years)

Mandatory provisions

Depending on the type of mandate, provisions vary. Typically:

• full identity of the parties

• precise purpose of the mandate

• duration and renewal conditions

• possible remuneration

• termination conditions

• competent jurisdiction in case of dispute

Benefits

• Mandate signed remotely without travel

• Traceability of the commitment

• Enhanced proof compared to handwritten signature

• Automatic archiving

Common mistakes

• Neglecting identification of the mandator (invalid mandate)

• Forgetting the duration (indefinite mandate = terminable at any time)

• Using SES for a property sales mandate (prefer AES)

• Not retaining the mandate for its entire duration plus 5 years

Use case: property management mandate

A property agency signs 10-15 management mandates with property owners each month. Process:

• Presentation meeting (in person or video call)

• Send mandate + management agreement in AES

• Property owner signs the same day

• Management begins immediately

Saving: 2-4 days per file, zero travel for signature.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo offers templates of common mandates (property sales, property management, SEPA), signature adapted to the required level, and long-term archiving compliant with legal obligations.

Discover Certyneo's electronic signature solution

FAQ

Can a mandate be revoked electronically?

Yes, by simple letter or electronically depending on the mandate.

Must the mandate be registered?

No for most. Some (notarial mandates) yes.

Duration of a property sales mandate?

Generally 3 months renewable, up to a maximum set by the Hoguet law.

Can you sign a mandate on behalf of a company?

Yes, by the legal representative (president, manager).

Is an expired mandate still valid?

No, any action after expiry is void.

Conclusion

Mandates are particularly well suited to electronic signature: speed, traceability, solid proof. Adapt the level to the stakes and you're secure.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.