Deposit deduction deadlines for tenants in France

Understanding the legal deadlines around deductions from the security deposit helps tenants protect their rights in France. After returning the keys and the inventory of fixtures, the landlord has a specific timeframe to return the deposit or justify financial deductions. This guide explains when the deadline is one month or two months, which documents to keep, how to contest a deduction and what procedures to start (registered letter, conciliation committee, bringing the case to the judicial court). It presents practical actions, the evidence to gather and official resources in France to help you go further.

What are the deadlines for deductions from the security deposit?

In France, the deadline to return the security deposit starts on the date the keys are returned after the exit inventory. If the exit inventory matches the entry inventory, the landlord must return the deposit within one month. If damages or discrepancies are found, the deadline can be extended to two months to allow calculation of amounts to deduct.^[1]

What can the landlord deduct?

The landlord can deduct from the deposit amounts corresponding to repairs necessary due to damage beyond normal wear and tear. Repairs should be justified by estimates or invoices. If you dispute a deduction, keep evidence and documents to support your position.

• Rent receipts and proofs of payment.
• Rental contract and amendments.
• Signed and dated entry and exit inventories.
• Photos and videos taken at the time of the inventory.
• Estimates and invoices for repairs.

How to dispute a deduction?

If you consider a deduction unjustified, start by asking the landlord for supporting documents (estimates, invoices). Then send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to dispute and request partial or full return of the deposit. If the response is unsatisfactory, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or directly to the judicial court to settle the dispute.

FAQ

What is the deadline for returning the security deposit?

The deadline is one month if the exit inventory matches the entry inventory; otherwise it can be two months to allow justified deductions.

What can the landlord deduct from the deposit?

The landlord can deduct amounts to repair damage beyond normal wear, supported by estimates or invoices.

What should I do if I contest a deduction?

Send a registered letter to the landlord, refer the matter to the conciliation commission, then the judicial court if necessary.

How-To

1. Gather all evidence (contract, inventories, photos, invoices).
2. Send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the landlord requesting the breakdown of deductions.
3. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission if dialogue fails.
4. As a last resort, file a claim at the judicial court with your supporting documents.

Key takeaways

• The deadline to return the deposit varies based on the inventory comparison and may be one or two months.
• Keep evidence and photos to dispute a deduction.
• Start with a registered letter, then conciliation before court.

Help and Support

• [1] Service-public.fr - Restitution of the security deposit
• [2] Legifrance - Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989

1. [1] Service-public.fr - Restitution of the security deposit
2. [2] Legifrance - Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989