Deadlines for service charge adjustments - Tenants France
Who is concerned and which documents
The adjustment of charges concerns tenants under a residential lease and the landlord who keeps the accounts of recoverable charges. The landlord must be able to provide the accounts and supporting documents for the amounts requested. As a tenant, you have the right to request these documents to check the calculation of charges.[1]
- Supporting documents: invoices, service contracts and detailed statements.
- Payments and receipts: amounts paid, deposits and prior adjustments.
- Period and deadline: clearly identify the accounting period concerned.
Legal deadlines and practical rules
The law governs residential leases and the rules for adjusting charges; see the official law text for details.[2] In practice, adjustments are annual: the landlord prepares an account of charges and provides it to you to justify the amounts. If sums are still due, the landlord can request a supplement; if he overcharged, he must refund the tenant.
- Annual adjustment: verify the accounting period aligned with your lease.
- Request detailed supporting documents before paying a supplement.
- Compare billed amounts with your receipts and payment records.
How to dispute an adjustment
If an amount seems wrong, first request supporting documents from the landlord in writing. If the response is unsatisfactory, send a registered letter with proof of delivery explaining your reasons and attaching your documents. Before going to court, you can contact the departmental conciliation commission or attempt mediation; as a last resort, the judicial court will decide the dispute.
FAQ
- What is the deadline for the annual adjustment of charges?
- The adjustment is usually carried out once a year for the accounting period chosen by the landlord; he must provide the accounts and supporting documents.
- What should I do if I dispute an amount requested by the landlord?
- Request the supporting documents, send a registered letter detailing your objections, then contact the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if necessary.
- What remedies are available if the landlord claims amounts long after the relevant period?
- Check the applicable deadlines and consult official texts; if in doubt contact the departmental conciliation commission or the court to assert your rights.
How to
- Check the period and deadline stated in the charge account.
- Request supporting documents from the landlord in writing.
- Compare the amounts claimed with your receipts and payments.
- Dispute formally by registered letter with proof of delivery and include evidence.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, then to the judicial court if necessary.
Key takeaways
- Adjustments are usually annual and must be justified by the landlord.
- Always request supporting documents before paying any supplement.
- If disagreement persists, use conciliation then the judicial court for remedies.
Help and Support
- Contact Service-public for practical information and administrative procedures.
- Consult Legifrance for the text of Law n° 89-462 concerning residential leases.
- Check with the competent judicial court for your department.
