Recoverable Charges: Tenant Guide France

As a tenant in France, understanding which charges the landlord can bill you for is essential to avoid disputes and manage your budget. The official list of recoverable charges details the expenses the landlord can pass on, how they are allocated and how to carry out the annual settlement. This article clearly explains the 1987 decree and the rules from the 1989 law, lists common charges (heating, water, common area maintenance), clarifies your rights to supporting documents and offers step-by-step procedures to dispute contested charges or request the intervention of the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court.

What is the official list of recoverable charges?

The official list groups the expenses that the landlord can charge to the tenant when the lease provides for it. This list is based on the 1987 decree which specifies the nature of the charges and the allocation methods between tenants and landlord^[1]. It complements the principles set out by the law of July 6, 1989 and its developments, notably on the requirement to provide supporting documents during settlement.

Common charges and examples

• Collective heating (heating): central heating, fuel and readings.
• Cold and hot water (water): collective consumption or meters.
• Maintenance and small repairs of common areas (maintenance): cleaning, electricity and minor works.
• Lighting and elevator (record): invoices and maintenance contracts.
• Waste management and collection (waste): billing according to the municipal service.

Settlement and supporting documents

Each year, the landlord must carry out the charges settlement and provide the tenant with a statement accompanied by supporting documents upon request. The method of allocation and frequency must be specified in the lease; if in doubt, ask the landlord for the detailed invoices or the relevant contracts^[2].

What to do in case of dispute?

If you dispute a charge, start by requesting supporting documents from the landlord in writing and keep a copy. If the reply is unsatisfactory, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) for mediation. As a last resort, the judicial court decides the dispute. In all cases, document exchanges and respect deadlines stated in correspondence.

FAQ

Which charges can a landlord charge back to the tenant?

A landlord can charge back the charges listed by the decree, such as collective heating, water, maintenance of common areas and waste collection, if the lease provides for it.

Must the landlord provide supporting documents for each charge?

Yes, at the tenant's request the landlord must provide invoices or documents to justify the amounts claimed.

What if I receive a settlement I consider excessive?

Request supporting documents, contact the departmental conciliation commission, and if necessary, take action before the judicial court.

How to

1. Gather documents: receipts, contracts and emails (record).
2. Write to the landlord requesting supporting documents and specifying your dispute (file).
3. If no response, contact the departmental conciliation commission (contact).
4. As a last resort, file a claim with the judicial court with a complete file (court).

Help and resources

• Service-public.fr - Model letter to request supporting documents
• Legifrance - Relevant decree and texts

1. [1] Legifrance - Decree on recoverable charges (1987)
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Practical information for tenants