Filing CDC complaints: tenant steps in France
You are a tenant in France and facing a dispute with your landlord about rent, repairs or notice? Before going to the tribunal judiciaire, the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) allows an attempt at an amicable resolution. To file with the CDC, specific conditions and supporting documents are required: lease agreement, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts, exchanged correspondence, photos and quotes or invoices for repairs. This practical guide explains who can file with the CDC, which documents to gather, the deadlines to respect and the steps to follow to maximise your chances of success without a long or costly procedure.
Que faut-il pour saisir la CDC ?
The CDC addresses common rental disputes governed by the Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989; lease and habitability rules must be considered.[1] In practice, the tenant must prove their status as occupant and the problem encountered (arrears, repairs, contested notice, etc.). Filing is free and seeks an amicable solution; it does not prevent later recourse to the tribunal judiciaire if conciliation fails.
Who can file and when?
The tenant, the landlord or their representatives (agent, accredited association) can file with the CDC. Act promptly: some disputes have time limits to act or to present evidence. Check the applicable deadlines before submitting your file.
Supporting documents to provide
- Signed lease agreement and any annexes (diagnostics, specific clauses).
- Inventory of fixtures on entry and exit, if available.
- Rent receipts or proof of payment for rent and charges.
- Letters and written exchanges with the landlord (registered letters, e-mails).
- Photos, videos, quotes or invoices proving the need or cost of repairs.
Procedure and practical steps
Filing is usually done at the town hall, prefecture or via a local form; the official Service-public site provides the procedures and templates to follow. Check procedures on Service-public[2] The CDC summons the parties, attempts discussion and draws up a minutes of conciliation. If an agreement is signed, it has probative value; if it fails, the minutes record the lack of agreement and you can bring the case to the tribunal judiciaire while keeping all documents.
FAQ
- Who can file with the CDC?
- The tenant, the landlord or their representatives can file with the CDC to attempt an amicable conciliation.
- Does the CDC have binding power?
- No, the CDC does not impose decisions: it seeks an amicable agreement; however a minutes of conciliation may still be useful in court.
- Which supporting documents are essential?
- Lease agreement, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts, written exchanges, photos and quotes or invoices for repairs are the most useful pieces.
How to
- Check whether your situation falls under the CDC and respect applicable deadlines.
- Gather essential supporting documents: lease, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts, photos and quotes.
- Complete the form or filing request according to local guidance and send it with attachments.
- Attend the conciliation meeting and calmly present the facts with your evidence.
- If conciliation fails, keep the minutes and prepare a file for the tribunal judiciaire.
Key takeaways
- Filing with the CDC is free and aims for an amicable solution.
- Clear supporting documents (lease, receipts, photos) are essential to persuade.
- If conciliation fails, the tribunal judiciaire remains an available option.
Help and resources
- Service-public.fr — procedures and forms
- Service-public.fr — lease agreement and inventory of fixtures
- Legifrance.gouv.fr — official texts (1989 law and codes)
