Registered Termination Letter - Tenant France
As a tenant in France, terminating a lease often requires sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt and respecting a legal notice period. This guide explains, step by step, which mandatory details to include, how to calculate the notice period depending on your situation, and which proofs to keep to avoid disputes. You will find a sample letter, options when the lease is subject to special rules (social housing, mobility lease) and the administrative steps to complete. The tone is practical and accessible: the goal is to give you the tools to write a clear letter, meet deadlines and protect your rights in France.
What must the registered letter contain?
The letter must identify the tenant and the lease, specify the address of the dwelling, indicate the date when the notice begins and state the clear intention to terminate the contract. Include the planned departure date and your contact details for the final inventory. For an official template and examples, consult the official housing procedures page[1].
Mandatory details
- Tenant and landlord full names.
- Full address of the dwelling concerned.
- Sending date and desired departure date (start of the notice period).
- Lease reference or contract number if available.
- Tenant's handwritten signature.
Calculating the notice period
The notice period depends on the lease type and location: generally three months for an unfurnished dwelling and one month for a furnished dwelling, with exceptions (tense zones, job loss, transfer, health reasons) that may shorten the period. Check the rules applicable to your situation and the residential lease law articles for confirmation[2].
Sending and keeping proof
Send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt and keep the proof of sending. You can also hand-deliver the letter in return for a receipt if the landlord agrees. Keep the following items for your records: copy of the letter, acknowledgment, email exchanges, photos of the inventory.
- Send by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- Keep copies and proofs (receipts, written exchanges, photos).
- Note the security deposit condition and the steps for its refund.
In case of dispute
If a disagreement arises (refusal of the inventory, contestation of the notice, deductions from the security deposit), first attempt conciliation via the Departmental Conciliation Commission. If mediation fails, appeal to the competent civil court. Keep all proofs and copies of exchanges to build your file.
FAQ
- What is the tenant notice period?
- The notice period is generally one month for furnished rentals and three months for unfurnished rentals, with exceptions depending on the situation and location.
- Do I need to send a registered letter?
- Yes, sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt is the recommended proof to terminate a lease.
- What if the landlord refuses the termination?
- Keep all evidence and contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission, then the civil court if necessary.
How-To
- Check your lease for terms and the notice period.
- Write the letter including mandatory details and the desired departure date.
- Send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or hand it over against a receipt.
- Arrange and conduct the exit inventory with the landlord.
- Request the refund of the security deposit respecting legal deadlines.
- In case of dispute, contact conciliation then the competent court if needed.
