Annual Charges Adjustment for Tenants in France

The annual adjustment of rental charges in France explains how the landlord compares the provisions paid by the tenant with the actual expenses. Tenants should understand the difference between provision and adjustment, which charges are recoverable and which supporting documents to request. This process includes an account statement, invoices and sometimes an explanatory note from the managing agent for collective buildings. If the tenant disputes an amount, they can request documents, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or, as a last resort, the judicial court. This article guides you step by step to check calculations, request documents and know your rights as a tenant in France.

What does the adjustment mean?

The adjustment is the annual calculation that opposes provisions and actual expenses, to determine whether the tenant must pay an additional sum or receive a refund. The legal framework for residential leases is organized by Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989.^[1]

Differences between provision and adjustment

• Monthly provisions: advances paid each month by the tenant.
• Annual adjustment: the summary calculation at the end of the fiscal year, with the landlord's justification deadline.
• Recoverable charges: items the lease allows to be re-invoiced (water, heating, collective maintenance).
• Supporting documents: invoices, supply contracts and statements to request to verify amounts.

Practical calculation

To verify an adjustment, follow a few simple steps and keep every document you receive.

• Check amounts: compare the provisions paid and the total invoiced by the landlord.
• Request supporting documents: ask the landlord or managing agent for invoices, contracts and statements.
• Respect deadlines: respond quickly to avoid losing rights or evidence.
• Contest in writing and, if necessary, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission.^[2]

If the dispute does not succeed, the tenant can bring the matter before the judicial court. For model lease agreements, inventories and information on recoverable charges, consult the official administration pages.^[3]

FAQ

Who pays the charges adjustment?

The tenant pays the share of charges that are recoverable under the lease and legal rules; the landlord must provide the corresponding supporting documents.

What supporting documents can I request from the landlord?

You can request invoices, supply contracts, consumption statements and the allocation details for collective buildings.

What should I do if I dispute the requested amount?

Send a written request to the landlord, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission and, if necessary, the judicial court.

How to

1. Request in writing all invoices and supporting documents from the landlord.
2. Check the calculation: ensure allocations and amounts match the provided documents.
3. Send a reasoned dispute and keep the acknowledgment of receipt.
4. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, then the judicial court if the dispute persists.

Help and support

• Service-public.fr — Charges récupérables et justificatifs
• Service-public.fr — Commission départementale de conciliation
• Legifrance — Official texts and codes

1. [1] Legifrance — Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Departmental Conciliation Commission
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Recoverable charges and supporting documents