Conciliation deadlines for tenants in France

As a tenant in France, a conciliation hearing can be a key step before any procedure before the judicial court. This guide clearly explains the legal deadlines, how conciliation takes place before the departmental conciliation commission (CDC)^[1] and which steps to prepare to defend your rights. You will find practical steps: referring to the CDC, gathering evidence and supporting documents, attending convocations and knowing when the case may be referred to the court. The tone is accessible, without jargon: the aim is to give you concrete reference points to act quickly and avoid mistakes that delay resolving the dispute.

When and why a conciliation hearing?

Conciliation aims to resolve a rental dispute (late payment, repairs, security deposit, evictions) without a trial. The CDC is a departmental body that proposes an agreement between tenant and landlord; it often intervenes before any referral to the judicial court^[2]. You may also be summoned to a conciliation hearing organized by the court registry when proceedings are engaged.

Common deadlines to know

• Referring to the CDC: deadlines vary by department, act as soon as possible.
• Hearing summons: you usually receive a letter or summons a few days before the date.
• Referral to the court: if conciliation fails, the case may be sent without excessive delay to the judicial court.

Prepare your file

• Gather the lease, rent receipts and exchanged correspondence.
• Photos of the premises, estimates or invoices for repairs or maintenance.
• Copies of letters sent (registered mail, emails) and payment receipts.

How to

1. Contact the CDC or the local service to know the procedure and obtain a referral form.
2. Prepare a file: ID, lease, receipts, photos, letters and all useful supporting documents.
3. Attend the conciliation hearing at the indicated date and time, or appoint a representative.
4. If conciliation fails, follow the steps indicated by the registry to refer the case to the judicial court.

FAQ

What does the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) do?

The CDC proposes an amicable solution between tenant and landlord and issues a non-binding opinion.

Do I have to attend the hearing in person?

It is strongly recommended to attend or to designate a representative, as absence can reduce your chances of obtaining an agreement.

How long before the hearing will I receive the summons?

The summons is sent by the registry; the delay may vary but you should be informed in due time to prepare your defense.

Key takeaways

• Act quickly: referring to the CDC early increases chances of an amicable resolution.
• Document everything: clear and organized evidence eases conciliation.
• If conciliation fails, prepare for proceedings before the judicial court.

Help and resources

• Departmental conciliation commission (service-public.fr)
• Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989 (legifrance.gouv.fr)

1. [1] Service-public.fr — Commission départementale de conciliation
2. [2] Legifrance.gouv.fr — Loi n°89-462 du 6 juillet 1989