House-sharing: Rent and charges for tenants in France

In house-sharing in France, understanding how charges and rent are split helps avoid conflicts and protect your tenant rights. This guide explains in plain language who pays what depending on the lease type (single lease or individual leases), which charges can be recovered, how to document expenses and which steps to take if you dispute an amount. You will also find practical advice for the inventory of fixtures, reviewing charges and possible administrative or judicial remedies. Read carefully the suggested steps to gather evidence, send the appropriate letters and refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the court if necessary.^[1]

How are charges and rent allocated in house-sharing?

Allocation mainly depends on the lease type: a single lease binds all housemates jointly for payment of rent and charges, while individual leases explicitly split responsibilities between each person. In practice, the lease or an addendum should specify each housemate's share of charges (equal share, by surface, or another key).

Recoverable charges (examples)

• Elevator charges and maintenance of common areas.
• Garden maintenance and lighting of common spaces.
• Collective hot and cold water according to agreed distribution.

Single lease vs individual leases: practical points

With a single lease, each housemate is responsible for the full rent in the eyes of the landlord (joint liability). With individual leases, each tenant is responsible only for their share. Before signing, check the solidarity clause and the annex specifying the allocation of charges. If nothing is specified, agree on a written split among housemates.

Repairs and maintenance

Repairs are distinguished between tenant repairs (tenant's responsibility) and major/structural repairs (landlord's responsibility). When in doubt, keep photos and estimates: they serve as evidence if the landlord deducts amounts from the security deposit or requests payments.

• Small everyday repairs and routine maintenance (light bulb replacement, seals, toilet flusher): generally tenant's responsibility.
• Major works, heating, structural plumbing: generally landlord's responsibility.

Your remedies if you dispute charges

If you believe charges were miscalculated or unjustified, request itemised bills and invoices from the landlord. If the response is unsatisfactory, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or, as a last resort, the judicial court. Before any referral, a well-drafted formal notice or registered letter may suffice.^[2]

• Ask the landlord for details and supporting documents for the charges.
• Gather evidence: contracts, invoices, photos and consumption records.
• Contact the departmental conciliation commission for amicable mediation.^[3]
• Refer the matter to the judicial court if mediation fails.

FAQ

How can I know which charges are recoverable?

Recoverable charges are listed by decree and include maintenance of common areas and certain collective consumptions; ask the landlord for the breakdown and supporting documents.^[1]

What does the solidarity clause in a single lease mean?

The solidarity clause obliges each housemate to pay the full rent if the others do not pay, even if there is an internal allocation within the accommodation.

Should I do an inventory of fixtures in house-sharing?

Yes, an inventory of fixtures at entry and exit is essential and should be signed by all housemates to define responsibilities in case of damage.^[2]

What are the deadlines to dispute charges?

It is recommended to act as soon as you receive statements: keep documents and refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission promptly before considering legal action.

How-To

1. Collect all documents: lease, written allocation, invoices and photos.
2. Send a registered letter to the landlord detailing the dispute and the contested amounts.
3. If exchange fails, request mediation from the departmental conciliation commission.
4. Refer the judicial court if conciliation does not succeed and you have sufficient evidence.

Key takeaways

• Sign and keep a clear lease specifying charge allocation.
• Archive invoices and photos to prove initial condition and consumption.
• Prefer conciliation before judicial action.

Help and Support / Resources

• Model tenancy agreement (Service-public.fr)
• Inventory of fixtures: model and advice (Service-public.fr)
• Departmental conciliation commission (Service-public.fr)

1. [1] Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 (Legifrance)
2. [2] Model tenancy agreement (Service-public.fr)
3. [3] Departmental conciliation commission (Service-public.fr)