Notice for Sale: Tenant Rights in France

A notice for sale is the landlord's formal declaration to recover their property in order to sell it, and it has specific consequences for the tenant in France. This guide clearly explains which conditions must be met, which documents the owner must provide, and which deadlines apply. You will also learn about your rights: possible right of purchase priority, contesting the notice, and remedies if the rules are not followed. Practical steps — receiving the notification, checking the documents, and acting within deadlines — are detailed to help you protect your housing and interests without legal jargon.^[1]

What does "notice for sale" mean?

A notice for sale is a formal notification from the landlord informing the tenant that they wish to recover the accommodation to sell it at the end of the lease. The notice must be justified and comply with the rules provided by the 1989 law and its implementing texts.^[1]

Required conditions and documents

Before serving a notice for sale, the landlord must gather and be able to present several written documents that establish the reality of their sale project and respect the tenant's rights.

• Proof of ownership or sale project (title, sale agreement or promise, notarial document).
• Written notice specifying the reason "sale", the effective date and the sale conditions.
• Compliance with deadlines and the legal form of notification depending on the type of lease.
• Financial elements when the price or terms of sale are announced.

Deadlines and formalities

The period before the notice takes effect depends on the type of lease: it is generally longer for an unfurnished dwelling than for a furnished dwelling. The notice must be served by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, bailiff's act or delivered by hand against signature, depending on the case.^[1]

Tenant's right of purchase priority

In some cases, the tenant has a right of priority to buy the dwelling offered for sale; this right must be formally offered in the notice with the sale conditions.

What to do in practice?

Respond by following these steps: check the conformity of the notice, request the supporting documents, and, if necessary, assert your rights in writing or refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) or the judicial court.

1. Receive and read the notice of termination carefully.
2. Request the written supporting documents from the landlord and keep the correspondence.
3. Contact an advisor (tenant association or official service) to check your rights.
4. If necessary, refer the matter to the CDC or the judicial court to challenge the notice or seek redress.

Your remedies and time limits to challenge

If you consider the notice irregular (lack of supporting documents, procedural defect, non-compliance with deadlines), you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission first, then to the judicial court. Act quickly: time limits for contesting are strict and vary depending on the situation.^[3]

FAQ

What is the time limit for a notice for sale?

The time limit depends on the type of lease: generally 6 months for an unfurnished dwelling and 3 months for a furnished dwelling, counting from the notification made at the lease expiry.

What documents must the landlord provide?

The landlord must be able to produce documents proving their sale project: title deed, sale agreement or promise, notarial deed, and the written notice stating the conditions.

Can I challenge a notice for sale?

Yes, in case of irregularity (form, lack of supporting documents, defect) you can refer the matter to the CDC or the judicial court to request annulment or compensation.

How to

1. Keep the notice and note the date of receipt.
2. Request the supporting documents from the landlord in writing and keep records of correspondence.
3. Seek advice from a tenant association or an official service.
4. Refer the matter to the CDC, then to the judicial court if the situation is not resolved amicably.

Help and Support / Resources

• Notice for sale - Service-public
• [Law] Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
• Departmental Conciliation Commission - Service-public

1. [1] Law nb0 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
2. [2] Notice for sale - Service-public
3. [3] Departmental Conciliation Commission - Service-public