Signed quote, doubled price: your rights against a dishonest contractor
Your contractor is demanding twice the signed quote, citing unforeseen problems. What does Moroccan law say? What practical remedies do you have? An overview of the protections available.
Published on 5 March 2026 · Updated on 9 October 2026 · Reviewed against the official texts on 9 October 2026 · By Multi Service de Marrakech Junior
1. The legal value of a signed quote
In Morocco, a signed quote is a contract within the meaning of the Code of Obligations and Contracts (DOC). Article 230 states that “obligations validly created by contract have the force of law between those who made them”. A contractor cannot change the price unilaterally without your written agreement.
Signing the quote amounts to accepting the offer. For an amendment (avenant) to be valid, it must itself be signed by both parties, with a clearly stated amount. A verbal agreement or mere tolerance on your part is not a legal commitment.
2. Trap clauses to spot before signing
Beware of quotes that include wording such as “price revisable according to material prices”, “all taxes included, excluding unforeseen site costs” or “indicative quote”. These clauses let the contractor raise the price without having to justify each increase.
A sound quote states a firm and final price, with a precise list of what is included and what is excluded. Any price change must be covered by an amendment signed before the work concerned begins. When dealing with a professional, a private individual is also protected by Law 31-08 on consumer protection, under which unfair terms (clauses abusives) have no effect.
3. Negotiation and mediation: the preliminary steps
Before any court action, send a registered letter formally disputing the demand for extra payment and restating the amount of the signed quote. This letter serves as formal notice (mise en demeure) to the contractor and proves your refusal; it is the prerequisite for any action.
Contractual mediation, governed by Law 95-17 on arbitration and mediation, is a quicker and less costly alternative to court. It is possible if both parties agree to it, before a mediator or a mediation centre, and often leads to an agreement within a few weeks.
4. Going to court: how it works in practice
In an emergency, the judge for urgent applications (juge des référés) can order a quick measure (official report, expert assessment). On the merits, the court of first instance generally has jurisdiction for a private individual; the commercial court has jurisdiction between traders or if the contract so provides, for claims above 20,000 MAD (Law 53-95). A lawyer will tell you which court is right for your case.
Put your file together: signed quote, contract, paid invoices, delivery notes, correspondence (text messages, emails, WhatsApp), dated photos of the site. The better documented the file, the faster the proceedings.
In summary
A Multi Service de Marrakech Junior quote is a firm commitment on price, itemised line by line. Any change during the works is covered by a written amendment signed before the work is carried out. Talk to us to build within a clear contractual framework.
Sources and reference texts
- Code of Obligations and Contracts (DOC), article 230
- Law 31-08 on consumer protection measures (unfair terms)
- Law 95-17 on arbitration and contractual mediation
- Law 53-95 establishing commercial courts (articles 5 and 6)
Cite this guide
Using this guide on your website, on a forum, for an association or in a document? Please cite the source with a link to the original page.
“Signed quote, doubled price: your rights against a dishonest contractor”, Multi Service de Marrakech Junior, updated 9 October 2026. https://mmj.ma/en/blog/droits-devis-litige-entrepreneur
This article is provided for general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer, a notary or an architect. Legislation changes: check the version in force for your situation.
