Landlord Work and Rent Reduction for Tenants in France

What to do if works affect your home?

If works carried out by the landlord reduce the use, comfort or safety of your home, you can request a rent reduction or other measures to restore full enjoyment of the property. Law No. 89-462 frames the landlord's obligations and your rights as a tenant^[1]. Start by notifying the landlord clearly about the problems, keep evidence and respect deadlines to protect your rights.

Your key rights

• The landlord must carry out necessary repairs to maintain and service the dwelling.
• The dwelling must remain compliant with habitability and safety standards during works.
• If works reduce enjoyment, the tenant can request a proportional rent reduction.
• You have the right to document defects (photos, correspondence, reports) to support your request.

Practical steps

Before any legal action, inform the landlord in writing, preferably by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt, describe precisely the inconveniences caused by the works and propose a solution or a request for rent reduction. Keep the receipt and all evidence: dated photos, email exchanges, possible invoices. The model lease and practical information are on Service-Public^[2].

When to bring conciliation or court action?

If the landlord refuses or does not respond, you can bring the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) to seek an amicable agreement^[3]. If conciliation fails, filing with the judicial court can obtain a retroactive rent reduction or emergency measures.

FAQ

When can I request a rent reduction?

You can request a reduction as soon as the works affect normal enjoyment of the dwelling, for example loss of heating, leaks or inability to use a room.

How to notify the landlord?

Notify in writing, preferably by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, detailing the inconveniences and attaching evidence.

What if the landlord refuses?

Attempt conciliation via the CDC and, if necessary, bring the case before the judicial court to request a reduction or remedy.

How to

1. Gather evidence: dated photos, correspondence, witness statements.
2. Send a written notice to the landlord (registered mail) with a formal request for reduction or intervention.
3. Refer the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission if amicable agreement is not possible.
4. As a last resort, bring the matter before the judicial court to obtain an enforceable decision.

Key takeaways

• Systematically document each inconvenience with dates and evidence.
• Notify the landlord in writing before any official filing.
• Conciliation via the CDC can avoid lengthy court proceedings.

Help and resources

• [1]Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 — Légifrance
• [2]Templates and procedures — Service-Public
• [3]Departmental Conciliation Commission — Service-Public

1. [1]Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 — Légifrance
2. [2]Templates and procedures — Service-Public
3. [3]Departmental Conciliation Commission — Service-Public