Annual Rent Review in France for Tenants
As a tenant in France, understanding how the annual rent review is calculated protects you from unexpected increases. This guide clearly explains the formula based on the rent reference index (IRL), common lease clauses, deadlines to apply an increase and the evidence to keep. You will learn how to check that the lease provides for revision, how to calculate the new amount step by step, and which actions to take if you dispute an increase (contact, formal notice, appeal to the departmental conciliation commission or the court). We use simple language so you can act quickly and preserve your rights.
How the rent review is calculated
The IRL is published by INSEE and its use is governed by law[1]. The lease revision clause specifies the periodicity (often annual) and the method: the variation of the index between two dates is applied to the rent excluding charges.
In most regions, tenants are entitled to clear contractual clauses about rent revision.
- Note the reference rent stated in your rental contract.
- Identify the applicable IRL published for the relevant period.
- Apply the formula: new rent = old rent × (IRL_n / IRL_0).
Keep calculations and payment proofs.
What to do if you dispute an increase?
If the calculation seems incorrect or the lease does not provide for revision, start by asking the landlord for supporting documents and calculate the variation yourself. If the written exchange fails, you can refer to the departmental conciliation commission or the court; consult official procedures to prepare your case[2].
- Contact the landlord to get the breakdown of the calculation and supporting documents.
- Send a written request or a formal notice attaching your calculations.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if necessary.
Respond within stated deadlines to avoid losing your rights.
Useful evidence
- Rent receipts and payment statements.
- Copy of the lease and the revision clause.
- Your calculations, screenshots of IRL indices and written exchanges with the landlord.
Documenting each step strengthens your case in case of dispute.
FAQ
- Can the landlord increase the rent without a revision clause?
- No, a regular rent increase requires a revision clause in the lease; otherwise the increase is not automatically applicable.
- How to apply the IRL formula?
- Multiply the current rent by the ratio of the most recent IRL to the reference IRL specified in the lease; keep values and calculate with decimals if necessary.
- What remedies are available in case of dispute?
- Amicable contact, departmental conciliation commission, then judicial court if necessary; prepare evidence and calculations before any referral[2].
How to
- Check the lease revision clause and the specified periodicity.
- Retrieve the corresponding IRL indices and apply the revision formula.
- Inform the landlord in writing attaching your calculation and request supporting documents.
- Send a formal notice if the amicable exchange fails.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if no solution is found.
Key takeaways
- Revision is based on the IRL and the lease clause.
- Keep all receipts and proof of calculations.
- Remedies: conciliation commission then court if necessary.
Help and Support
- Form and model contract (Service-public)
- Referral to the judicial court (Service-public)
- Legal information and texts (Legifrance)
