APL Disputes for Tenants in France

If your Personalized Housing Assistance (APL) is reduced or suspended while you live in shared housing in France, this can threaten your budget and your right to housing. This guide explains, in plain language, the possible remedies: check the CAF decision, request an administrative appeal, refer to the departmental conciliation commission, and if necessary, bring proceedings before the judicial court. You will learn which documents to gather, which deadlines to respect and how to split the procedure among roommates. Rules vary depending on the lease and family situation; keep all written evidence and receipts to maximize your chances of success.

What to do in case of an APL dispute in shared housing?

Start by asking the CAF for the specific reason for the suspension or reduction. Check whether the decision mentions missing resources, an incomplete file or an administrative error. Keep the notification and all proofs of payment and sharing of rent for your roommates. The regulation of leases and housing aids in France is based notably on the law of July 6, 1989 and its amendments for residential leases.^[1]

Also check your shared lease and the inventory of fixtures: each roommate's role (primary tenant, co-tenant, representative) influences who must challenge the decision and how the CAF allocates the aid.^[2]

Possible remedies and deadlines

Depending on the reason, you can:

• Contest the decision with CAF by registered mail or via your online account within the stated deadlines.
• Provide any requested supporting documents (proofs of resources, receipts, shared lease).
• Request a suspension of the measure if extra time is needed by explaining your urgent situation.

If the administrative appeal fails, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) for an attempt at amicable mediation.^[3]

FAQ

Who can contest a CAF decision in shared housing?

Any roommate can request information and contest depending on their status in the lease; the roommate listed on the APL application should lead the procedure.

Which documents should I attach to my appeal?

Attach the CAF notification, shared lease, rent receipts, proof of income and any document proving the allocation of charges.

What does the departmental conciliation commission do?

The CDC seeks an agreement between parties; filing is free and is often recommended before going to the judicial court.

How to

1. Carefully read the CAF notification and note the reason and date.
2. Gather documents: lease, inventory of fixtures, receipts and income proofs.
3. Send a written appeal (registered) to CAF respecting the indicated deadline.
4. Contact CAF to request an appointment or clarifications about missing documents.
5. Refer to the departmental conciliation commission if CAF's response is unsatisfactory.
6. As a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court with the complete file and record of conciliation attempts.

Help and resources

• Service-public.fr - Official procedures and templates
• Legifrance - Official texts (laws and codes)
• Justice.fr - Information on jurisdictions

1. [1] Legifrance - Law and official codes
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Lease and inventory of fixtures
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Departmental conciliation commission