Contact the CDC for Tenants in France
As a tenant in France, knowing how to contact the Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC) can avoid a long and costly trial. The CDC is a free mediation body for rental disputes: rent, charges, repairs, inventory of fixtures or return of the security deposit. Before taking the matter to the judicial court, conciliation often leads to an amicable agreement between tenant and landlord. This article explains step by step when and how to contact the CDC, which documents to prepare, the deadlines to respect and what to expect if conciliation fails. The explanations follow the 1989 law and current administrative rules in France to guide you simply.
What does the Commission départementale de conciliation do?
The CDC assists tenant and landlord to attempt an amicable solution outside court. It issues a non-binding opinion based on the law and case law [1].
When to contact the CDC?
- Disputed rent or charges.
- Repairs or habitability defects.
- Return of the security deposit.
- Differences during the inventory of fixtures.
To contact the CDC, prepare a clear file: rental agreement, inventory reports, letters, receipts and photos. You can find templates and practical information on Service-Public [2].
FAQ
- What can the CDC decide?
- The CDC issues a written non-binding opinion; if conciliation fails, you can bring the case to the judicial court.
- Do I need a lawyer for the CDC?
- The procedure is generally accessible without a lawyer, but you may be assisted; keep all documents.
- What are the deadlines to contact the CDC?
- It is recommended to act quickly and check local deadlines on Service-Public [2].
How to
- Gather evidence and documents (rental agreement, inventories, photos).
- Attempt a written request to the landlord to resolve the dispute amicably.
- Fill in the form or write a letter explaining the dispute and attach the documents.
- Send the file to the CDC via the prefecture or the structure indicated by your town hall.
- If conciliation fails, prepare your file to bring the matter before the judicial court.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly when a dispute arises.
- Keep all evidence and exchanges.
- Consult official templates on Service-Public.
