Quarterly IRL in France: Tenant Guide

The rent reference index (IRL) published quarterly can worry many tenants in France when it comes to annual or exceptional rent revision. This guide simply explains how the IRL is calculated, what differences arise between quarterly and annual indices, when the lease allows revision, and what your rights are as a tenant facing an increase. You will find concrete examples, steps to verify a rent calculation, and advice on contesting an increase with the landlord or the departmental conciliation commission. Practical procedures and deadlines to respect are detailed to help you act with full knowledge of the facts.

How the quarterly IRL works

The IRL is published quarterly by INSEE and serves as a reference for revision clauses in residential leases. In France, the ability to index the rent on the IRL strictly depends on the clause provided in the rental contract and the rules set by French law.^[1]

Calculation and application in the lease

The most common formula is: new rent = current rent × (IRL published for the revision quarter / IRL of the reference quarter stated in the lease). Always check the lease's revision clause for periodicity and effective date.

• Date of the revision's effective date
• Recalculated rent amount
• Deadline to contest the increase
• Formula used for the calculation

What to do if you dispute the increase?

If you believe an increase is incorrect, start by checking the calculation, gather your evidence (contract, receipts, published IRL) and contact the landlord for clarification.

Practical steps

1. Check the calculation and keep the evidence
2. Contact the landlord in writing explaining your request
3. Propose conciliation via the departmental conciliation commission
4. If necessary, take the matter to the judicial court

FAQ

What is the quarterly IRL?

The IRL is an index published by INSEE used to revise certain rents according to the lease clause; it is distinct from the law itself and governed by French law.^[1]

How is the rent recalculated?

The rent is recalculated by applying the formula stated in the lease: current rent × (revision IRL / reference IRL). Check the dates and the IRL applicable to the indicated quarter.

What to do when disputing?

Contact the landlord first, then refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission; as a last resort, the judicial court can be seized. You can consult templates and procedures on Service-public.^[2]

How-To

1. Check the revision clause in your lease
2. Calculate the new rent using the published IRLs
3. Send a written request to the landlord attaching the evidence
4. If no agreement, propose conciliation then take the matter to court

Key takeaways

• The lease clause determines if and how the IRL applies.
• The calculation follows a simple formula but must be verified with the published IRL.
• Favor conciliation before taking legal action.

Help and Support

• Model lease and inventory templates — Service-public.fr
• Laws and official texts — Legifrance.gouv.fr
• Seizing the judicial court — Justice.fr

1. [1] Legifrance — Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 and related texts
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Practical information and procedure templates