Notice for Repossession: Tenant Rights in France

In France, a notice for repossession is a procedure by which the landlord terminates the lease to recover the dwelling, often to live in it or to sell it. As a tenant, you have specific rights: imposed notice periods, required legitimate reasons and possibilities for appeal before any eviction. This article explains step by step what a tenant must check — deadlines, form of the notice, evidence to keep and options for contesting before the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. You will also find example procedures, practical advice to keep your evidence, and situations where compensation or a postponement can be negotiated with the landlord.

What to do if the landlord gives notice for repossession?

The notice for repossession can only be given for limited reasons and often at the end of the lease. First verify the end date of your contract and the reason invoked by the landlord. The notification must respect a strict form (often registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt) and clearly state the reason for repossession.^[1] Keep all documents: contract, letters, photos and written exchanges.

If the landlord mentions a sale or intends to occupy the property, ask for proof (deed of ownership, written intentions) and note the key dates. You can contact the landlord to negotiate a postponement or compensation if the situation allows.

• Lease agreement and inventory of fixtures.
• Rent receipts and proof of payment.
• Photos and documents proving the condition of the dwelling.
• Copies of the notification received from the landlord.

If you want to contest, start with a request for conciliation to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) and, as a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court. The CDC can sometimes achieve an agreement without a lengthy procedure.^[3]

Formalities and deadlines to check

Check whether the notice was served within the legal deadlines and whether the reason is recognized by law. If in doubt about the validity of the notice, seek legal advice or contact the CDC before any eviction is considered. The Code and the law strictly regulate these reasons and the forms of notification.^[1]

FAQ

What is a notice for repossession?

A notice for repossession is the landlord's decision to recover the dwelling to occupy it personally or to sell it; it must be motivated and comply with the law.

What are the deadlines and form of the notice?

The notice must be served in the required form (often registered letter) and within the deadlines provided by regulation; check your lease end date and the applicable articles.^[1]

What can I do if I contest the notice?

You can contact the departmental conciliation commission, negotiate a postponement or compensation, and as a last resort take action before the judicial court.^[3]

How to

1. Check the notification: date, form and reason stated by the landlord.
2. Gather evidence: lease, receipts, photos, correspondences.
3. Send a written response to the landlord, preferably by registered mail, specifying your objections.
4. Contact the departmental conciliation commission to attempt mediation.
5. Bring the case before the judicial court if conciliation fails and your rights must be defended.

Help and support / Resources

• Service-public.fr — Notice given by the landlord
• Legifrance.gouv.fr — Official texts and the 1989 law
• Justice.fr — Information on bringing a case to court

1. [1] Legifrance — Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Notice and sample letters
3. [3] Justice.fr — Bringing a case before the judicial court