Deadlines for Individual Water Meters for Tenants in France
As a tenant in France, understanding the deadlines related to individual water meters helps you anticipate works, readings and billing. This article explains your rights, the responsibilities of the landlord or the condominium management, and practical steps to request installation, contest a settlement or prepare a file in case of dispute. We use official references to clarify obligations and remedies, so you know when to act, which evidence to keep and how to contact a commission or the court if necessary. Plain language and concrete examples aim to make these deadlines and procedures accessible to everyone.
Who can request an individual water meter?
The tenant can request the installation of an individual meter if the lease or the condominium rules provide for it, but installation often depends on the landlord's or the syndic's agreement. If in doubt about charge allocation or technical installation, ask for written technical and contractual documents from the lessor.
Legal deadlines and key steps in France
- Send a written request to the landlord or syndic: keep the send date and wait for a formal response.
- Technical intervention to install the meter: deadlines vary depending on access, the condominium and the hired company.
- Start of individual billing: billing begins when the meter is actually commissioned.
- Keep readings and evidence: keep invoices and photos for several years in case of dispute.
What to do in case of delay, refusal or disputed billing?
If the landlord refuses without justification or delays responding, send a formal notice by registered mail and keep all evidence (letters, photos, quotes). If the situation does not improve, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) before bringing the case to the tribunal judiciaire. The 1989 law articles and the Civil Code remain references for landlord obligations and charge allocation.[1]
Useful documents and evidence
- Copies of the lease and annexes indicating charge allocation.
- Photos and dates of interventions or absences noted during installation.
- Invoices and consumption readings before and after installation.
- Letters sent to the landlord (simple letter, registered, formal notices).
FAQ
- Can the landlord install a meter without informing me?
- No, the landlord must inform you and respect access rights provided in the lease; any intervention must be justified and proportionate.
- How long do I have to contest a bill after meter installation?
- It is recommended to act as soon as you receive the disputed bill and send a written contestation; the exact duration will depend on the case and available evidence.
- Where to file a dispute in France?
- Start with the departmental conciliation commission, then if necessary file with the competent tribunal judiciaire.
How-To
- Gather the lease, invoices and photos of installations and readings.
- Contact the landlord in writing asking for a response within a set deadline.
- If there is no satisfactory response, refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission with your file.
- As a last resort, prepare to bring the matter before the tribunal judiciaire with help from a lawyer or tenants' association.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly upon receiving a disputed bill.
- Keep all communication and reading evidence.
- Try mediation before initiating court proceedings.
