CDC deadlines and documents for tenants in France
As a tenant in France, you may need to refer your case to the Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)[1] or the court to resolve a dispute with your landlord. This guide clearly explains the legal deadlines to respect, common supporting documents (rental contract, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts, photos, correspondence) and practical steps to assemble a solid file. We explain who to contact, how to submit an application to the CDC, and what timelines may apply before judicial referral. The aim is to help you prepare a complete file, avoid formal mistakes and speed up an amicable or judicial resolution of your claim.
Legal deadlines and steps
There is not always a single deadline applicable to all rental disputes: the nature of the issue (unpaid rent, repairs, termination) and circumstances affect timelines. Here are practical reference points to act without losing your rights.
- Contact the CDC as soon as the conflict arises to favor conciliation and obtain an appointment.
- Respond to convocations and letters within the indicated deadlines, often within 15 days or at a scheduled meeting.
- If conciliation fails or is not possible, prepare to refer the matter to the tribunal judiciaire by checking applicable limitation periods.
Documents to include
A clear file facilitates conciliation and the judge's decision. Useful documents include:
- Signed rental contract (lease).
- Inventory of fixtures and any signed document at entry or exit.
- Rent receipts, bank statements, and proof of payment.
- Photos, quotes and invoices for repairs or property damage.
- Letters and emails exchanged with the landlord (registered letters and acknowledgments if possible).
How to assemble the file
Follow a simple method: collect, organize, timeline and send. Here are concrete and easy-to-follow steps.
- Gather all the documents listed above in paper and digital form.
- Write a chronological summary of events and prepare the copies to attach.
- Attach proofs of payment, quotes and invoices to establish any loss.
- Send your file to the CDC according to local procedure or refer the matter to the court if needed.
FAQ
- What is the Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)?
- The CDC is a free body that helps find an amicable solution between tenant and landlord before court proceedings.
- What deadlines apply to act against a landlord's breach?
- It is recommended to act quickly and keep all evidence; deadlines vary depending on the nature of the dispute and limitation rules under the law.[2]
- What if the landlord does not respond to requests?
- Send a registered letter, seize the CDC to attempt conciliation, then, if necessary, the tribunal judiciaire.
How to
- Collect the documents (lease, inventories, receipts, photos).
- Write a chronological summary and prepare copies to attach.
- Send registered letters as needed and, if necessary, file with the CDC.
- If conciliation fails, file a claim with the tribunal judiciaire attaching the complete file.
Help and Support
- Refer to the CDC - service-public.fr
- Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 - legifrance.gouv.fr
- Templates and procedures - service-public.fr
