Deadlines to Contact the CDC for Tenants in France
Being a tenant in France and facing a dispute with your landlord can be stressful. Before bringing a case to the judicial court, many situations can be handled by the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC). This free body helps reach an agreement for issues such as disputed rent increases, unfinished repairs, or deposit disputes. This article clearly explains the legal deadlines to contact the CDC, which evidence to gather, and the steps to follow depending on the type of dispute. You will also find sample actions and practical advice to protect your rights without legal jargon.
Which disputes can go to the CDC?
The CDC can intervene for many rental disputes and aims to reconcile tenant and landlord rather than punish. It is often used to resolve issues related to rent amounts, repairs, or security deposits[3].
- Dispute over a rent increase.
- Repairs not carried out or poorly executed affecting the dwelling.
- Disputes over the security deposit and deductions on departure.
- Disagreements about the inventory of fixtures, repairs or evidence to provide.
The Commission aims for conciliation and does not impose judicial sanctions.
Legal deadlines to contact the CDC
There is no single deadline applicable to all tenancy disputes. The 1989 law and the Civil Code set general principles, but prescription and procedural time limits can vary depending on the nature of the dispute[1]. In practice, it is advised to contact the CDC as soon as the dispute is established and before any summons to the judicial court.
Act quickly: some rights may prescribe after a few years if not exercised.
Documents to gather
- Copies of the lease and inventories of fixtures at move-in and move-out.
- Rent receipts, invoices and proof of payments.
- Exchanged letters (formal notices, registered letters).
- Photos, estimates, invoices and any documents proving damage or failure.
How to contact the CDC
Contact is usually made by mail or form to the prefecture or the relevant departmental service. Attach all documents and a clear summary of facts. The CDC will then invite the parties to attempt an amicable mediation.
- Write a summary explaining the dispute and the requests.
- Attach copies of the lease, inventories and evidence.
- Send the referral according to local procedure (mail or form).
- Respond to the convocation and present your documents at the conciliation meeting.
Keep copies of all submissions and note dates of receipt.
What if conciliation fails?
If the CDC does not succeed, you can bring the matter before the judicial court. Before filing, check procedural time limits and ensure you have all necessary evidence[1].
- Prepare a complete file for the judicial court.
- Keep the CDC report as part of your case file.
FAQ
- How do I contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission?
- Write a letter or fill in the local form, attach supporting documents and send the referral to the prefecture or the indicated service.
- Is conciliation free of charge?
- Yes, referring to the CDC is free for the parties.
- Should I contact the CDC before the court?
- The CDC often avoids a judicial procedure; it is recommended to use it before filing, depending on the situation.
How to
- Gather all evidence: lease, inventories, receipts, photos.
- Contact the departmental service in charge of conciliation to learn the local procedure.
- Submit your referral by mail or via the provided form, attaching the documents.
- Attend the conciliation meeting and calmly present the facts.
- If conciliation fails, bring the case to the judicial court with a complete file.
Key takeaways
- Contact the CDC as early as possible to protect your rights.
- Keep and organize all evidence and correspondence.
- The CDC can often prevent a lengthy court procedure.
Help and resources
- Service-public.fr — practical information for tenants
- Legifrance — laws and codes
- Service-public.fr — templates and procedures
