APL/CAF Housing Aid: Tenant Conditions France

Eligibility conditions for APL

For a tenant in France, eligibility for APL depends on several criteria related to the housing, income and household composition. The law governing residential leases and tenants' rights sets general rules to know when preparing an application to CAF^[1]. Benefits are reserved for contracted housing or accommodations meeting decency and occupation conditions.

Who can benefit?

In general, a tenant who occupies a dwelling as their primary residence and whose income falls within the ceilings may be entitled to APL. Students, employees, retirees and jobseekers can be concerned depending on their situation and the landlord's status.

Documents to prepare

Before the simulation, collect the following common documents to speed up processing:

• Valid identity document (passport, identity card).
• Rent receipt or lease agreement proving the rent amount.
• Proof of income: pay slips, tax notice, benefits (official documents).
• Bank details (RIB) for benefit payment and required forms from CAF.

How to simulate your APL

The simulation is done online on the CAF website or via partner portals. During the simulation, enter your annual income, rent amount and household composition. Results are indicative; only the formal application with supporting documents allows the aid to be actually calculated^[2].

Special cases and attention points

If you are in a shared tenancy, subletting or hosted for free, specific rules apply and the calculation may differ. If your situation changes (move, income decrease or increase), notify CAF promptly to adjust the amount of aid.

What to do in case of refusal or doubt

If CAF refuses or modifies your request, ask for the reasons in writing and provide additional supporting documents if necessary. Before litigation, a departmental conciliation commission can be seized and, as a last resort, the judicial court rules on disputes.

FAQ

What documents are essential for an APL simulation?

Identity, lease or rent receipt, proof of income and bank details are the most requested documents.

How long does it take to get a response from CAF?

Timing varies by case: the online simulation is instant but processing can take several weeks depending on demand and file completeness.

What if my situation changes?

Report any change (income, household composition, move) to CAF promptly to adjust your aid.

Does APL apply to social housing?

Yes, APL can concern tenants of social housing provided the dwelling meets the required conditions.

How to

1. Gather all listed documents (ID, lease, proof of income).
2. Access the CAF simulator and enter the requested information.
3. Upload or submit the supporting documents via your CAF personal space.
4. Monitor CAF messages and respond to requests for additional information.

Help and resources

• [1] Service-public.fr - Housing benefits (simulator and information)
• [2] Legifrance - Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989
• [3] Service-public.fr - Model lease and inventory of fixtures

1. [1] Legifrance - Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Housing benefits (simulator and information)
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Model lease and inventory of fixtures