Calculating Quarterly IRL for Tenants in France
Understanding the IRL
The Rent Reference Index (IRL) is used to index rents when the lease includes a revision clause. Its use is governed by the 1989 law and the Construction and Housing Code, which set the rules for residential leases [1]. The IRL is published quarterly by INSEE and reflects changes in consumer prices excluding tobacco.
How the quarterly IRL is calculated
The formula is straightforward: new rent = old rent × (IRL published for the reference quarter ÷ IRL for the same quarter of the previous year). To apply the IRL, the lease must contain a revision clause. Official modalities and indices are available on Service-public and INSEE publications [2].
Example: if the IRL moves from 130.0 to 133.9, the theoretical increase = old rent × (133.9 ÷ 130.0). For a rent of €600, the revision becomes 600 × 1.030 = €618 (rounded according to local practice).
Practical steps for a tenant
- Keep all receipts, proof of payment and written exchanges with the landlord.
- Check the revision clause in the lease to confirm periodicity and the method used.
- Ask the landlord in writing for a detailed calculation if the increase seems incorrect.
How to contest a revision
If you believe the revision is incorrect, start with an amicable request and, if needed, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the tribunal judiciaire. CDC mediation is often a recommended preliminary step before court proceedings.
FAQ
- When can the IRL be applied to the rent?
- The IRL applies only if the lease contains a revision clause specifying periodicity and the calculation method.
- How to check the published IRL value?
- The official IRL values are published quarterly by INSEE and relayed on Service-public.fr.
- What if the landlord refuses to justify the increase?
- Send a written request, keep evidence, then refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission or the tribunal judiciaire if needed.
How-To
- Check the revision clause in your lease to know the periodicity and calculation method.
- Compare the IRL published for the relevant quarter with that of the same period the previous year.
- Calculate the new rent by multiplying the old rent by the index ratio, then round according to local practice.
- If you contest, send a written claim, keep documents and refer to the CDC or the tribunal judiciaire if mediation fails.
Help and resources
- [1] Service-public.fr — Practical information on IRL and rent revision
- [2] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989
