Legal Deadlines for Rent Repayment Plans France

If you are a tenant in France facing unpaid rent, knowing the legal deadlines related to a repayment plan can help protect your home and organize payments. This article explains, in simple language, possible steps: proposing a payment schedule, responding to a formal notice, referring the case to the departmental conciliation commission, and, if necessary, bringing the matter before the judicial court. You will find concrete actions to take, common deadlines and useful documents to prepare (letters, supporting documents, inventory reports) to maximize your chances of agreement and avoid eviction.

Understand the legal deadlines for a repayment plan

A repayment plan is an agreement between tenant and landlord to spread the repayment of rent arrears. There is no single deadline imposed by law for all cases, but stages with deadlines to be respected by each party and by the authorities. Law n°89-462 and its amendments govern residential leases in France.^[1] Before any court action, the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) can be seized to attempt an amicable agreement.^[2]

Common deadlines and actions

• Time to respond to a formal notice: reply quickly, often within 15 to 30 days depending on the letter received.
• Proposal of a written schedule: send a written plan as soon as possible to show good faith.
• CDC review time: the convocation varies by department; allow several weeks.
• Time before an eviction procedure: judicial procedures are lengthy and must respect several procedural steps.

What to do step by step

Here are practical actions to consider when you have payment difficulties: prepare a file (income, supporting documents), contact the landlord to propose a written plan, seize the CDC if no agreement is found, and, as a last resort, prepare for judicial proceedings while seeking social or legal support.

Immediate actions

• Contact the landlord in writing to propose a detailed repayment schedule.
• Send your proposal by registered mail or keep the acknowledgment of receipt.
• Respect the deadlines indicated in any official letter to respond or contest.

FAQ

What is a repayment plan and is it legally binding?

A repayment plan is an amicable agreement between tenant and landlord to spread debts. It is binding between the parties if signed, but it does not replace court decisions.

Can the Departmental Conciliation Commission help me?

Yes, the CDC offers free mediation to find an agreement between tenant and landlord before judicial proceedings.^[2]

What documents should I prepare to propose a schedule?

Prepare ID, last three pay slips, bank statements, proof of charges and the inventory report if relevant.^[3]

How to

1. Contact the landlord in writing to explain your situation and propose a payment calendar.
2. Formulate the proposal by registered letter or email and keep a copy.
3. Refer the case to the CDC if no amicable solution is found, attaching your supporting documents.
4. If the dispute persists, prepare to bring the matter before the judicial court with evidence and records of attempted conciliations.

Help and resources

• Service-Public - Departmental Conciliation Commission
• Service-Public - Lease contract and inventory
• Legifrance - Official texts (laws, decrees)

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-Public — Departmental Conciliation Commission
3. [3] Service-Public — Lease contract and inventory