Application Fees and Rent in France: Tenant Rights

Which fees can be charged?

The law regulates fees related to renting a dwelling and distinguishes sums the landlord can reasonably demand (inventory drafting, limited administration fees for certain services) and those that are prohibited or capped. If in doubt, always check the nature of the charged service and ask for a detailed invoice.^[1]

Examples of fees that may be accepted if justified:

• Inventory drafting fees (fee) charged at cost if performed by a professional.
• Administrative management fees related to file processing (fee) when the contract provides for them and the amount is reasonable.
• Fees for specific services requested by the tenant (e.g., specific management mandate) (fee).

Prohibited or limited fees

Some fees are prohibited or strictly regulated: for example, amounts that make the tenant pay for an obligation of the landlord, or duplicate charges already included in the rent. If a fee appears without justification, it can be disputed.

• Unjustified or hidden fees (warning).
• Double charging for the same service already paid via rent or security deposit (fee).
• Missing invoices or supporting documents when the landlord has not provided proof (document).

If the contract provides fees, check that they correspond to a real and documented service. Request a detailed invoice and compare with typical local prices.

How to dispute abusive fees

If you believe a file fee is abusive, follow these steps to build a solid case and act promptly.

1. Gather evidence: contract, correspondence, photos, receipts, invoices (document).
2. Send a written request to the landlord asking for justification and a detailed invoice (file).
3. Contact a mediator or the departmental conciliation commission if dialogue fails (contact).
4. As a last resort, bring the case before the Judicial Court to dispute the charge and request reimbursement if you were wrongly charged (court).

FAQ

Can a landlord charge an application fee?

Yes but only within strict limits and for justified services; law specifies landlord obligations and cases where fees are allowed.^[1]

Can I dispute these fees and how?

You can first ask for supporting documents, then refer to the departmental conciliation commission or, if necessary, to the Judicial Court to have an abuse recognized.^[3]

Which documents should I provide to dispute?

Lease agreement, inventories, rent receipts, exchanged correspondence and any invoice related to the service are useful to build your file.^[2]

How-To

1. Check the contract and note precisely the nature of the fee to dispute (document).
2. Send a registered letter or email requesting supporting documents and a response deadline (file).
3. If the response is unsatisfactory, contact the departmental conciliation commission (contact).
4. File with the Judicial Court if conciliation fails and the amount justifies action (court).

Key takeaways

• Only justified and proportionate fees may be requested (fee).
• Always ask for a detailed invoice and keep it (document).
• The conciliation commission and Judicial Court are possible recourses (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Contact Service-public for tenant lease information
• Consult Service-public on inventories
• Consult Legifrance for legal texts

1. [1] Legifrance - Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public - État des lieux
3. [3] Service-public - Lease and tenant procedures