Charge Adjustment Error: Tenant Guide France

What to do if the charge adjustment is incorrect?

If you are a tenant in France and the charge adjustment appears incorrect, this guide clearly explains your rights, the evidence to gather and the steps to contest the adjustment. The 1989 law and its reforms govern the landlord's obligations and the transparency of charges^[1]. Start by checking your lease agreement and the supporting documents provided by the owner, keep all receipts and inventories, then request written accounts. If the landlord's response is insufficient, the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court may be seized^[2]. This text guides you step by step, with sample procedures and practical advice to defend your interests.

Check essential documents

• Lease agreement and clause relating to charges, to check who pays what and under which rules^[3].
• Rent receipts and charge statements to compare billed amounts with actual expenses.
• Supporting documents provided by the landlord (invoices, supply contracts) which must be able to be communicated to the tenant.

Contact the landlord and formalize the request

Before any referral, send a detailed written request to the landlord asking for justification of the amounts claimed and a breakdown of the charges. Keep a copy of the letter and send it by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt if possible.

• Send a registered letter requesting supporting documents and a precise breakdown of the charges.
• If the landlord responds, ask for a written answer and propose, if useful, a meeting to examine the supporting documents together.

If the landlord does not respond or refuses

If no agreement is reached, favor an attempt at conciliation via the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC). If mediation fails, you can bring the matter before the judicial court to settle the disputed charges.

• Request referral to the Departmental Conciliation Commission for an attempt at an amicable resolution.
• If conciliation fails, bring the case before the judicial court to have the accounts expertised and seek compensation for any damage.

FAQ

What are the deadlines to contest a charge adjustment?

It is recommended to act quickly and keep all evidence; depending on the nature of the dispute, limitation periods may apply, check official texts and seek competent assistance.

Should I pay the disputed amount while waiting for a solution?

Generally, paying under reservation of dispute can preserve your rights, but state your dispute in writing and keep proof of payment.

What documents should I attach to contest effectively?

Attach the lease agreement, rent receipts, copies of invoices, inventories, exchanged letters and any document proving payment or a calculation error.

How to

1. Gather all evidence: leases, receipts, invoices and inventories.
2. Send a written request to the landlord (registered letter with acknowledgment) requesting detailed supporting documents.
3. Propose conciliation and, if necessary, refer the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission.
4. If conciliation fails, bring the case before the judicial court to have the accounts expertised.

Key points

• Keep all documents and evidence from the first disagreement.
• Always formalize your requests in writing to create a record.

Help and support

• [1] Legifrance — Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
• [2] Service-public.fr — Lease agreement and inventory
• [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental Conciliation Commission

1. [1] Legifrance — Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Lease agreement and inventory
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental Conciliation Commission