Landlord Entry Rights for Tenants in France
As a tenant in France, you have clear rights when the landlord wishes to enter the dwelling for visits or repairs. The landlord must respect the lease, notify you in advance except in emergencies, and obtain your consent for non-urgent interventions. This guide explains when access is permitted, what evidence to keep, how to request an appointment and what remedies exist if your rights are ignored. The rules stem from law and case law and seek to reconcile the obligation to maintain the dwelling with your right to quiet enjoyment and privacy.
When can the landlord enter?
The landlord may access the dwelling for specific reasons: urgent repairs, agreed works, or scheduled visits if provided for in the lease. Outside emergency situations, they must set an appointment and notify you. If works necessary for safety or habitability are scheduled, the landlord may organize access according to the agreed timetable.
Landlord obligations
- Carry out necessary repairs to ensure the dwelling's decency and safety.
- Inform the tenant in advance of any non-urgent intervention.
- Cover repairs that fall under their maintenance obligations, except normal wear attributable to the tenant.
Your rights as a tenant
You may refuse access outside an emergency or without reasonable notice, but you must remain available for emergencies that threaten safety or habitability. Document every visit: note date, time, names of workers and take photos if necessary. If the landlord insists without legal basis, ask for the reason in writing and keep proof of your exchanges.
What to do in case of abusive access or unjustified denial of access?
- Gather evidence: emails, SMS, photos and witness statements.
- Contact the landlord to request a written justification and a clear appointment.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) if discussion fails.
- As a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court.
FAQ
- Can the landlord enter without my consent outside an emergency?
- No, except in emergencies related to safety or habitability. For other interventions, the landlord must notify you and obtain your consent. [1]
- What notice is required for non-urgent works?
- There is not always a fixed legal delay for each type of work; reasonable notice depends on the nature of the work and the lease. You can request a written convocation specifying date and duration.
- What makes useful evidence in a dispute?
- Emails, SMS, timestamped photos and witness statements showing the time, identity of workers and nature of the access.
How to
- Contact the landlord as soon as possible to obtain a written justification for the entry or works.
- Demand a written appointment specifying the date and duration of interventions.
- Document each visit (photos, names of workers, written exchanges).
- Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt conciliation if the dispute persists.
- As a last resort, file an action before the judicial court with your evidence.
Key takeaways
- The landlord can enter only in an emergency or with your prior consent.
- Keep all evidence of exchanges and interventions.
- The CDC and the judicial court are possible remedies if the conflict is unresolved.
