Charge adjustment error deadlines for tenants in France
As a tenant in France, receiving a charge adjustment that contains an error can cause stress and questions about the deadlines to challenge it. This article explains clearly what the legal time limits are, the evidence to gather, and practical steps to request correction or reimbursement. We present how to check receipts, write a written dispute, contact the departmental conciliation commission, and, if necessary, bring the matter before the judicial court. The information is based on French law and official resources to help you act on time and protect your rights without unnecessary jargon. Always keep your rent receipts and statements to support your case.
What does the law say?
Charge adjustments must be justified by expenses actually paid by the landlord and accompanied by supporting documents. Law n°89-462 and the Construction and Housing Code regulate these rules and specify the landlord's obligations regarding transparency and supporting documents[2]. For practical explanations and an example of supporting documents, consult the official pages dedicated to service charges[1].
What are the deadlines to act?
Under French law, the limitation period applicable to personal actions is five years (article 2224 of the Civil Code), which often applies to reimbursement or dispute claims related to charges. However, it is advisable to act as soon as you receive the adjustment notice and not to wait, since specific circumstances can shorten deadlines.
- Check the notification date and note the day you received the notice to calculate deadlines.
- Keep all supporting documents (invoices, statements, receipts) that prove your payments and the nature of the charges.
- If you dispute, send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to keep formal proof of your action.
How to prepare your dispute
A well-organized file increases your chances of success. Start by requesting the landlord's supporting documents if they were not provided, then gather invoices, charge statements and receipts. Precisely calculate the amount you dispute and indicate the points of error (period, amounts, breakdown).
- Gather documents date by date to establish a clear chronology.
- Write a clear chronological letter and request correction or reimbursement by registered mail.
- If the landlord's response is unsatisfactory, contact the departmental conciliation commission for mediation[3].
FAQ
- What is the deadline to challenge a charge adjustment?
- You should act as soon as possible. The general limitation period is five years for personal actions, but it is better to dispute upon receipt and keep all evidence.
- What if the landlord does not provide the supporting documents?
- Request them in writing and send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. If there is no response, contact the departmental conciliation commission or prepare a court action.
- Is contacting the CDC mandatory before going to court?
- Referring the matter to the CDC is a useful conciliation step; it is not always mandatory but is often recommended before starting judicial proceedings.
How to
- Check and file all supporting documents (invoices, receipts, contracts).
- Send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the landlord detailing the dispute.
- Contact the departmental conciliation commission if the response is unsatisfactory.
- As a last resort, bring the matter before the judicial court attaching all documents and the CDC referral copy if applicable.
Key takeaways
- Act as soon as you receive the adjustment to avoid any limitation risk.
- Keep all evidence: receipts, invoices and written exchanges.
- Use registered mail and the departmental conciliation commission before going to court.
Help and resources
- [1] Service-public — Charges locatives et régularisation
- [2] Legifrance — Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989
- [3] Service-public — Departmental conciliation commission
