IRL & rent indexation for tenants in France
As a tenant in France, understanding how the IRL works and rent indexation protects your budget and your rights. The Rent Reference Index (IRL) is used to adjust rent according to inflation; the indexation clause in the lease and the revision periodicity determine if and when the landlord can increase the amount. This article clearly explains how to calculate a revision based on the IRL, which documents to keep, the deadlines to respect and the steps to contest an abusive increase. It also describes possible remedies, including conciliation and recourse to the competent court, so you can act with full knowledge if you believe your rent was wrongly indexed.
Understanding the IRL and indexation
The IRL calculation is based on the index published by INSEE and frames the possibility of indexing rent; the legal basis includes Law n°89-462 and the Civil Code in applicable cases [1][2].
The IRL lets rent be adjusted according to inflation but does not automatically create a right to an increase without a clause.
When the landlord can revise rent
- if the lease contains a clearly written indexation clause.
- on the date provided in the lease (anniversary or specified periodicity).
- according to the stated periodicity, most often annually.
Check the dates and exact wording of the clause in your lease before accepting an increase.
How the revision is calculated
Simple formula: revised rent = reference rent × (IRL of the reference quarter / IRL of the quarter indicated in the lease). Always use the indices published by INSEE for the mentioned quarters [2].
- locate the indexation clause in your lease and the stated periodicity.
- identify the IRL at the lease reference date and the IRL applicable to the revision quarter.
- apply the formula and verify the new amount proposed by the landlord.
Keep all payment receipts and written exchanges with the landlord.
How to contest an indexation
If you believe the increase is incorrect or the clause is not respected, start by writing to the landlord explaining your calculation and requesting supporting documents. If disagreement persists, contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission or the judicial court as appropriate [3].
- check the clause and recalculate the increase using the method above.
- gather evidence: lease, receipts, index records, exchanged letters.
- send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the landlord detailing your dispute.
- if no amicable solution, refer to the Departmental Conciliation Commission then the judicial court if necessary.
FAQ
- What is the IRL?
- The Rent Reference Index (IRL) measures changes in consumer prices and serves as the basis for adjusting rents if the lease provides for it.
- Is it legal if my landlord indexed the rent without a clause?
- Generally no: without a valid indexation clause in the lease, a unilateral increase can be challenged and may be rejected.
- What remedies if I contest an increase?
- Contact the landlord first, then the Departmental Conciliation Commission; as a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court.
How to
- Verify the presence and wording of the indexation clause in the lease.
- Consult the IRL indices published for the relevant quarters.
- Calculate the new rent by applying the indexation formula.
- Send a written dispute to the landlord with supporting documents by registered mail.
- Refer to the Departmental Conciliation Commission and then the judicial court if necessary.
Documenting each step makes conciliation and legal procedures easier.
Help and Support
- Legifrance — Law texts and official articles
- Service-public.fr — Practical information for tenants
- Service-public.fr — Departmental Conciliation Commission
