MAD

MAD (Space Handover Authorization): what the project manager needs to know about this authorization to avoid starting work in an occupied building without the landlord’s consent

You read in the CR: “MAD => Floor 7: 26/05 // Floor 4: 01/06.” Before this date, no work can start — even if the contract is signed, the contractor is ready, and the designs are approved. The MAD is the contractual key that unlocks access to leased or occupied floors. Missing it means risking an unlawful start with liability falling on the MOE.

1. Operational definition + common mistake

MAD — Mise à Disposition des Aires (Space Handover, sometimes referred to in other contexts as an authorization to start activities) — is the act by which the owner or landlord of an occupied building formally authorizes the tenant and its contractors to take possession of a zone or floor to start fit-out works there. It follows a joint inspection procedure (MAD pre-visit) that records the condition of the zone before works begin.

In this CR, the process is described precisely: MAD pre-visit on 21/05 with the client (EY), the project management assistant (PYC), the landlord’s own project manager (MOE SDC, distinct from the tenant’s MOE), and the landlord, followed by a visit report listing outstanding items on 22/05, and the MAD signing on 04/06. Two separate MADs: one for Floor 7 (26/05), one for Floor 4 (01/06).

Many assume the MAD is a simple administrative formality that follows automatically from signing the lease or the works contract — in reality, it’s a bilateral act with the landlord, distinct from the works contract, that physically determines the handover of the space. Without a signed MAD, the contractor has no contractual right to access the floor, even if the MOE has issued a start-up formal instruction.

2. Where it appears

In a commercial-fit-out site meeting report — in the Administrative section or referenced in schedule milestones. The MAD is typical of tenant fit-out works in office buildings. It may also be called “key handover,” “taking of possession,” or “landlord’s authorization to commence works” depending on the contract documents. In this CR:

“Organize MADs for 26/05 and 01/06: 21/05 – MAD pre-visit with EY / PYC / MOE SDC / LANDLORD — 22/05 – draw up a visit report with list of items — 04/06 – MAD signing”
“Organizing early works ahead of the MAD: DPr has drawn up an intervention protocol for early works”

3. How to read this entry in the CR

If you read “MAD => [floor]: [date]” → this is the date from which works on that floor are authorized. Check that the start-up formal instruction notified to the contractor is dated on or after this date.

If you read “MAD pre-visit” → this is the joint survey of conditions before works begin. Check that a visit report has been drawn up and that all parties (landlord, tenant’s MOE, landlord’s MOE) have signed it. This report protects the tenant in any dispute over the condition of the premises after works.

If early works are requested before the MAD → a specific intervention protocol is needed, signed by the parties. Without this formalized protocol, any incident falls on the MOE’s liability.

4. Who does what

5. What this changes in practice

A project manager who properly manages the MAD process can align the MAD date with the start-up formal instruction and prevent any premature start. A project manager who lets a contractor start before the MAD risks the landlord disputing the works, demanding a shutdown, or even billing damages for occupation without title.

Failure scenario: schedule pressure pushes the team to start demolishing suspended ceilings on Floor 7 a week before the MAD. An incident occurs (an existing duct is damaged). The landlord cites the absence of a MAD to refuse any amicable settlement and holds the MOE liable for allowing an unauthorized start.

6. Example of real wording

“Organize MADs for 26/05 and 01/06: 21/05 – MAD pre-visit with EY / PYC / MOE SDC / LANDLORD”

“MAD => Floor 7: 26/05 // Floor 4: 01/06”

7. Points of caution

• The MAD is not the signing of the works contract: the two acts are distinct and complementary.

• There can be several MADs for a single project (one per floor, one per zone) — each floor must have its own dated MAD.

• The MAD pre-visit must always result in a written, signed report: it’s the only proof of the premises’ condition before works.

• An intervention protocol before the MAD doesn’t replace the MAD itself: it only authorizes limited, one-off interventions.

• In a building under co-ownership, the MAD may require the approval of the managing agent or co-ownership council in addition to the landlord.

8. Not to be confused with

9. Related terms

Same phase (preparation/start-up): Start-up formal instruction · DOC · Joint survey (constat contradictoire) · Intervention protocol · VIC

Same actor (MOE/MO): Works schedule · FTM · GED · Pre-visit