Decent Housing Rights for Tenants in France

As a tenant in France, you have the right to decent, safe and healthy housing. This guide plainly explains your rights and obligations, how to request repairs, report unsanitary conditions, and start mediation or legal action. The 1989 law governs rental contracts and the landlord's obligations, including the habitability guarantee.^[1] We list practical steps: contact the landlord, refer to the departmental conciliation commission, and prepare an inventory and a standard contract available online.^[2] Find clear steps here to act quickly and protect your home.

What does the law say?

The Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989 sets the rules for residential leases and the landlord's obligations regarding decency and repairs. The Building and Housing Code defines sanitation and safety criteria; the Tribunal judiciaire rules on disputes. For official texts and applicable articles, consult: Legifrance.^[1]

Practical steps

Before any procedure, favor dialogue and a written formal notice. Always keep evidence (emails, photos, reports).

• Contact the landlord in writing and request repair of defects.
• Send a formal notice if the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time.
• Gather evidence: photos, invoices, reports and written exchanges.
• Refer to the departmental conciliation commission or the Tribunal judiciaire if the situation does not improve.

When to go to court?

Submit the case to the Tribunal judiciaire if conciliation fails or the landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs. In emergencies (health risk or immediate danger), you can request enforcement measures or contact municipal technical services. Before legal action, the departmental conciliation commission can propose an amicable agreement.^[1]

FAQ

What is decent housing?

Decent housing meets minimum safety, hygiene and equipment criteria defined by law and the Building and Housing Code.

What if the landlord refuses to repair?

Send a formal notice in writing, refer to the departmental conciliation commission, and as a last resort request the intervention of the Tribunal judiciaire.

How long do I have to act?

There is no single deadline: act quickly, limitation periods vary by type of dispute; keep records and start conciliation as soon as possible.

How-To

1. Collect all evidence: photos, written exchanges, invoices and the inventory report.
2. Contact the landlord in writing explaining the issues and requesting repairs.
3. Send a registered formal notice if necessary.
4. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt an amicable settlement.
5. If conciliation fails, file a claim with the Tribunal judiciaire with a complete dossier.

Help and resources

• [Contact] Service-public.fr — Practical information for tenants
• [Consult] Legifrance — Official texts and codes
• [See] Justice.fr — Information on judicial procedures

1. [1] Legifrance - Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public - Sample tenancy agreements and inventory templates