What to do in case of a dispute related to the rental of a dwelling?
Verified 15 July 2022 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
In the event of a dispute over rented accommodation with a residential lease, conciliation with the a third party (e.g. court conciliator), and then be able to refer the matter to the judge. Depending on the type of dispute (on the lease, rent, state of the property...), owner and tenant must respect deadlines to act.
Warning
where mobility lease, specific rules apply.
To be considered furnished accommodation, the accommodation to be rented must include at least some furniture. The list of required furniture depends on the date of signing of the lease.
In case of dispute, the action to be taken depends on the amount of the dispute:
Litigation less than or equal to 5 000 €
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (required)
If you don't win the case with registered mail, you need to reconcile with judicial conciliator.
This procedure is free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
The judge may decide to reclassify the lease of a furnished accommodation lease empty, in case of non-compliance with the list of essential furniture.
Litigation over € 5,000
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (optional)
If you don't get the right message with the registered mail, it might be helpful to have a conciliation with a judicial conciliator.
This procedure is free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
The judge may decide to reclassify the lease of a furnished accommodation lease empty, in case of non-compliance with the list of essential furniture.
The lease of an empty dwelling must comply with specific rules (content, documents in annexe...)
In case of dispute, the action to be taken depends on the amount of the dispute:
Litigation less than or equal to 5 000 €
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (required)
If you don't win the case with registered mail, you need to reconcile with judicial conciliator
This procedure is free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
Litigation over € 5,000
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (optional)
If you are not successful with the registered mail, it may be helpful to have conciliation with:
This is optional.
It's always free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
In case of dispute, the action to be taken depends on the amount of the dispute:
Litigation less than or equal to 5 000 €
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
For example, if security deposit is not returned by the owner in the time limit, the tenant can write his mail using this template:
Request refund of unreturned security deposit
Reconciliation (required)
If you don't win the case with registered mail, you need to reconcile with judicial conciliator
This procedure is free.
Seize judge
In case of failure of conciliation, refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends. The judge must be brought within 3 years of the day the security deposit should have been paid.
Who shall I contact
Litigation over € 5,000
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
For example, if security deposit is not returned by the owner in the time limit, the tenant can write his mail using this template:
Request refund of unreturned security deposit
Reconciliation (optional)
If you are not successful with the registered mail, it may be helpful to have conciliation with:
This is optional.
It's always free.
Seize judge
We need refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
The judge must be brought within 3 years of the day the security deposit should have been paid.
Who shall I contact
In case of dispute, the action to be taken depends on the amount of the dispute:
Litigation less than or equal to 5 000 €
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (required)
If you don't win the case with registered mail, you need to reconcile with judicial conciliator
This procedure is free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
Litigation over € 5,000
Email recommended
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation (optional)
If you are not successful with the registered mail, it may be helpful to have conciliation with:
This is optional.
It's always free.
Seize judge
You refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the rented accommodation depends.
You have 3 years to do it, after the dispute has arisen.
If the dwelling is not suitable, the tenant must indicate in writing to the owner the signs of non-compliance of the dwelling decency criteria.
If the owner recognises non-decency
The tenant shall specify by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt the conformity work which the owner undertakes to carry out, as well as the deadlines for completion.
If the owner disputes the non-decency
The lessee must demand that the owner carry out the conformity work. This notification shall be made by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
If after 2 months, the notice has not been answered or the disagreement persists, the tenant or the owner may refer the matter to the court office.
However, it may choose to:
Who shall I contact
In general, when the accommodation is rented for 1re The landlord freely fixes the rent.
But in some municipalities, the rent must not exceed a maximum amount. These are the following municipalities:
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
In Paris
The basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
In Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme
From 1to March 2020, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
In Lyon and Villeurbanne
From 1to November 2020, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
Montpellier
From 1to July 2022, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
Bordeaux
Since 15 July 2022, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
On the territory of East Together
From 1to December 2021, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
On the territory of Common Plain
From 1to June 2021, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
The rules to be applied when the accommodation is rented back to a tenant after having remained idle for less than 18 months depend on the municipality where the accommodation is located.
There are several scenarios:
- The accommodation is located in Paris, Lille (Hellemmes, Lomme), Montpellier, Bordeaux, Lyon and Villeurbanne, Montpellier, Bordeaux or in the communes ofIs Together or Common Plain
- Either the accommodation is located in another commune, located in a tense zone
- Either the accommodation is located in another municipality, which is not located in a restricted area
To find out if your community is located in a tight area, you can use this simulator:
Check that a housing is in a tense area
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In Paris
Basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
Paris: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2019)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
On the territory of East Together
Since December 2021, the basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To find out the reference rent:
Eastern Territory Together: estimate reference rents (lease signed after November 2021)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
In Lille, Hellemmes or Lomme
Basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To find out the reference rent:
Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme: estimate reference rents (lease signed after February 2020)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
In Lyon and Villeurbanne
Since November 2021, the basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To find out the reference rent:
Lyon and Villeurbanne: test my rent (lease signed after November 2021)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
On the territory of Common Plain
From 1to June 2021, Basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To know the reference rent increased:
Common Plain Territory: estimate reference rents (lease signed after May 2021)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
Montpellier
From 1to July 2022, basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To know the reference rent increased:
Montpellier: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2022)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
Bordeaux
Since July 15, 2022, the basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) of a dwelling placed on the market after less than 18 months of inoccupation may be increased in some cases only :
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
But the new basic rent must not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
To find out the reference rent:
Bordeaux: estimate reference rents (lease signed since July 15, 2022)
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
Elsewhere in tense
The rent for a house that is placed on the market after less than 18 months of vacancy may be increased in some cases only:
- where it has not been revised in the previous 12 months
- when certain works have been carried out since the departure of the former tenant
- when undervalued
If the new rent exceeds reference rent increased effective on the date of signing of the lease, the tenant may dispute by sending a letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the owner (recommended procedure).
If it fails, it must enter the departmental conciliation board on which the house depends. This procedure is free of charge and obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
If the intervention of the commission results in a failure, the tenant may refer the matter to the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends.
Outside tense
The rent of a dwelling that is returned to the market after being unoccupied (more or less than 18 months) can be increased freely.
In general, when the accommodation is rented after being unoccupied for less than 18 months, the landlord freely sets the rent.
But in some municipalities, the rent must not exceed a maximum amount. These are the following municipalities:
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
In Paris
The basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
In Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme
From 1to March 2020, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
In Lyon and Villeurbanne
From 1to November 2020, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
Montpellier
From 1to July 2022, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
Bordeaux
Since 15 July 2022, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
On the territory of East Together
From 1to December 2021, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
On the territory of Common Plain
From 1to June 2021, basic rent (amount of rent excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) shall not exceed reference rent increased effective on the date of signature of the lease.
FYI
you can find out the reference rent increased using this simulator.
If basic rent exceeds reference rent increased, the tenant can request a rent reduction from the landlord (rent reduction).
The tenant can send this proposal to the owner:
- Either by registered letter with acknowledgement
- Either by act of the Commissioner of Justice (formerly act of judicial officer)
- Either hand-delivered against receipt or outflow
The proposal shall contain the following elements:
- Full Article 140 VI of the Law of 23 November 2018
- Amount of rent proposed and the reference rent increased used to determine
If this is not the case, the tenant has 1 month from the effective date of the lease to send to the owner by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt a notice to do it.
The landlord has 1 month to respond from the date of receipt of the tenant's proposal.
In the absence of a reply or in the event of the owner's refusal within this time limit, the tenant may enter the protection litigation judge the court on which the house depends, to get a reduction of the rent, if necessary.
In case of dispute over the amount of rent supplement, it is obligatory to initiate conciliation within 3 months of the signing of the lease, before any appeal to the judge.
Reconciliation (required step)
Referral
The tenant must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC) before going to the judge.
He must seize CDC: titleContent within 3 months of signing the lease.
The procedure is free.
Audience
Before the CDC, it is up to the landlord to prove that the rent supplement is justified. it must demonstrate that the accommodation has special characteristics of comfort or location compared to the same category of accommodation in the same geographic area.
Decision
If the CDC reaches an agreement, the amount of rent is the amount set out in the conciliation document issued by the CDC. This new amount applies from the effective date of the lease.
If the disagreement persists, the tenant has 3 months from the receipt of the notice from the CDC to ask the protection litigation judge to cancel or reduce the rent supplement.
Seize judge
If the disagreement persists, the tenant must appeal to the court within 3 months of receiving the opinion of the conciliation board. It refer the matter to the protection litigation judge a request to cancel or reduce the rent supplement.
The rent (taking into account any additional rent) fixed by the judge shall apply from the date of entry into force of the lease (retroactive effect).
Warning
until the judge makes his decision, the tenant must continue to pay the rent (basic rent and rent supplement) fixed in the lease.
Formal notice
If you do not reach your tenant or landlord, you can send them a registered mail with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You must attach documents to support your proposal (legislation, payment, invoices...).
For example, if the landlord has made a miscalculation, the tenant can challenge the annual rent increase by this type of mail:
Challenging the amount of a rent review that is being leased
Reconciliation
If the dispute persists despite the formal notice, conciliation can be initiated with the help of the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC) or a judicial conciliator. When the amount of the dispute is less than or equal to €5 000, this conciliation is obligatory in order to be able to refer the matter to the judge.
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To enter the CDC
The CDC must be entered by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
Tenant: letter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC)
This letter should be addressed to the CDC of the department where the housing concerned is located.
For CDC contact information:
To sue a court conciliator
To find a judicial conciliator:
Who shall I contact
Seize judge
In case of dispute over annual rent review, you have 1 year refer the matter to the protection litigation judge from the date of review of the rent.
One rent reduction may be hired for accommodation in the following communes or groupings of communes:
- Paris
- Bordeaux (lease signed or renewed since 15 July 2022)
- Is Together (lease signed or renewed from 1toDecember 2021)
- Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme
- Lyon and Villeurbanne (lease signed or renewed since 1toNovember 2021)
- Montpellier (lease signed or renewed since 1to July 2022)
- Common plain (lease signed or renewed from 1to June 2021)
When the basic rent (excluding charges and excluding rent supplement) in the lease is greater than the reference rent plus, the tenant may ask the landlord to lower the basic rent. He must make this request at least 5 months before lease term.
4 months before the end of the lease, in case of no reply or refusal of the owner, the tenant must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge. If the conciliation fails, the tenant can refer the matter to the protection litigation judge before the lease expires.
Warning
if the judge is not seized within that time, the lease is renewed under the previous conditions of the rent.
Where the landlord considers that the rent of the empty rented accommodation is manifestly undervalued, he can offer the tenant a new higher rent.
The tenant may accept or refuse.
In case of persistent disagreement, the procedure to be followed depends on the location of the accommodation:
- in Paris, Lille (Hellemmes, Lomme), Common plain, Is Together, Lyon and Villeurbanne, Montpellier, Bordeaux
- in a commune in a tense zone
- in another commune (outside the tense zone)
To check if the municipality is located in a stretched area:
Check that a housing is in a tense area
Paris
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Paris: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2019)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know rents in the vicinity .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Is Together
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Eastern Territory Together: estimate reference rents (lease signed after November 2021)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know rents in the vicinity .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Lille (Hellemmes and Lomme)
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme: estimate reference rents (lease signed after February 2020)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know the accommodation in the neighbourhood .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Lyon and Villeurbanne
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Lyon and Villeurbanne: test my rent (lease signed after November 2021)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know the accommodation in the neighbourhood .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Montpellier
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Montpellier: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2022)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know the accommodation in the neighbourhood .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Bordeaux
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than reference rent reduced in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Bordeaux: estimate reference rents (lease signed since July 15, 2022)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know the accommodation in the neighbourhood .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Common plain
The owner can hire rent revaluation share where the rent is less than the reduced reference rent in force on the date of proposal. The proposal must be made at least 6 months before lease term.
To find out the reference rent:
Common Plain Territory: estimate reference rents (lease signed after May 2021)
Tenant may challenge the share for rent revaluation, by reference to rents usually found in the vicinity for comparable housing.
It is possible to know rents in the vicinity .
In case of disagreement or unanswered 4 months before the end of the lease, the tenant or the owner must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC). The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, you can enter the protection litigation judge, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Warning
if the judge is not seized before the lease expires, the lease is renewed under the previous terms of the rent. However, if the old rent has not been revised in the previous 12 months, the landlord may increase it from the evolution of IRL to fix the new rent.
Common in tense zone
If the landlord considers that the rent of the empty rented accommodation is manifestly undervalued, he can offer the tenant a new higher rent. The owner must make this proposal at least 6 months before lease term.
To accept the landlord's proposal for an increase, the tenant must send the landlord a written agreement no later than 4 months before lease term.
The tenant may refuse the proposed increase. To do this, he must send a letter to the owner, no later than 4 months before the lease term.
Please note
no response from the tenant shall be deemed to be refused.
If the tenant refuses or does not respond no later than 4 months before lease term, the owner (or tenant) must enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC) to agree on the price. The CDC intervenes free of charge.
If the CDC fails, it is possible to refer the matter to the protection litigation judge of the court on which the dwelling depends, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
Other
Where the landlord considers that the rent is manifestly undervalued, he can offer the tenant a new higher rent. The owner must make this proposal at least 6 months before lease term.
To accept the landlord's proposal for an increase, the tenant must send the landlord a written agreement no later than 4 months before the lease expires.
The tenant may refuse the proposed increase. To do this, he must send a letter to his owner, no later than 4 months before the lease term.
Please note
no response from the tenant shall be deemed to be refused.
If the tenant refuses or does not respond no later than 4 months before lease term, the owner (or tenant) can enter the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC) to agree on the price (free procedure).
If the disagreement persists despite the intervention of the CDC, it is possible to refer the matter to the protection litigation judge of the court on which the dwelling depends, provided that it is done before the end of the lease.
This includes all disputes between a tenant and its owner (or its representative, including a real estate agency), including:
- to unpaid rent or charges (deadlines are to be respected)
- the subscription of home insurance
- one expulsion
If you are unable to speak to your landlord (or tenant), you can send them a registered letter with acknowledgement.
The letter must describe the facts as precisely as possible.
You have to attach documents to support your project (laws, regulations, invoices, photos...).
Reconciliation
If you are not successful with a letter, it may be helpful to enter the departmental conciliation board.
The CDC: titleContent shall, in particular, have jurisdiction over:
- Repairs owner or to tenant. Attention, in case of litigation of an amount greater than €5 000, the matter must be referred to the Departmental Conciliation Commission (DCC) or judicial conciliator, and can then refer the matter to the judge.
- Leasehold expenses
- Notice (leave) given by owner or tenant
- Setting the amount of the new rent where leasing out of the act of 48.
Warning
the CDC does not have jurisdiction over disputes relating to the rent of social housing.
Conciliation is always free.
FYI
the tenant must continue to pay the rent and expenses. Only the judge may decide temporarily block payment of rent (excluding charges) to the owner, pending resolution of the dispute.
Seize judge
Generally speaking, any dispute relating to a rental property falls within the jurisdiction of the court protection litigation judge on which the rented accommodation depends.
The judge must within 3 years of the appearance of the dispute.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
The Allo Public Service is currently disrupted. We apologise for this.
The informants who answer you belong to the ministry responsible for housing and city planning.
Cost: free service
Attention: the service does not have access to users ' personal records and therefore cannot provide information on their status.
The service is available at the following times:
- Monday: 8:30 - 17:30
- Tuesday: 8:30 - 12:15
- Wednesday: 8:30 - 12:15
- Thursday: 8:30 - 17:30
- Friday: 1 pm to 4.15pm
- Departmental Agency for Housing Information (Adil)
- Code of Civil Procedure: Articles 42 to 48Territorial jurisdiction of the court: Article 44
- Act No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 on rental reports: Article 7-1Time limit for referral to the judge (general case)
- Decree No. 2017-1198 of 27 July 2017 on the evolution of certain rents from August 2017 to 31 July 2022 (new lease or renewal of lease)Unoccupied housing for less than 18 months
- Act No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 on rental reports: Article 18Tense area: paragraph 3
- Act No. 2018-1021 of 23 November 2018 on the evolution of housing, development and digital: Article 140In Paris, Lille (Hellemmes, Lomme), Lyon and Villeurbanne, Montpellier, Est Ensemble, Plaine commune
- Check that a housing is in a tense area
Simulator
- Challenging the amount of a rent review that is being leased
Document template
- Request refund of unreturned security deposit
Document template
- Paris: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2019)
Simulator
- Eastern Territory Together: estimate reference rents (lease signed after November 2021)
Simulator
- Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme: estimate reference rents (lease signed after February 2020)
Simulator
- Lille, Hellemmes and Lomme: test my rent (lease signed after february 2020)
Simulator
- Lyon and Villeurbanne: test my rent (lease signed after November 2021)
Simulator
- Montpellier: estimate reference rents (lease signed after June 2022)
Search tools
- Common Plain Territory: estimate reference rents (lease signed after May 2021)
Simulator
FAQ
- In what cases can the Conciliation Committee be referred?
- What is the limitation period for a rent debt?
- What tariff applies in the case of recourse to a bailiff (now the Commissioner of Justice) in a rental dispute?
- Who is responsible for the damage caused to a rental unit?
- What is a furnished dwelling?
- Property rental: leaseService-Public.fr
- Judicial conciliatorService-Public.fr
- Amount of rent for a privately owned dwellingService-Public.fr
- Underpriced rent of a dwelling: increase on renewal of leaseService-Public.fr
- Record your rent in case of dispute with your landlordDeposit and deposit fund (CDC)