Annual Charges Regularization for Tenants in France

As a tenant in France, receiving a notice of annual charges regularization can seem technical and stressful. This article explains, step by step and in plain language, how service charges are calculated, which proofs your landlord must provide, and what deadlines apply to contesting an amount. You will also learn which sums may be claimed, how to check the accounts, and when to contact the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. The goal is to give you concrete steps, documents to request, and practical advice to protect your rights without unnecessary legal jargon. Keep all receipts and written exchanges, check statements and ask for explanations before paying. If you have doubts, public services can guide you for free.

What does the law say?

Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 regulates residential leases and the allocation of charges between landlord and tenant^[1]. The lease must specify recoverable charges and the method of regularization. The landlord must provide the supporting documents (invoices, maintenance contracts, statements) that allow understanding the calculation.

How are charges calculated?

Recoverable charges correspond to expenses actually incurred for the building and allocated according to the terms of the lease or the applicable rule of law. Check these points:

• Which period the regularization covers and whether amounts match the invoices.
• The supporting documents provided: water invoices, common area electricity, maintenance contracts.
• The allocation key used (area, co-ownership shares, or flat rate if allowed).

What can the landlord claim?

The landlord may only claim sums corresponding to charges actually paid for the building and allocated according to the lease. He must produce the supporting documents upon your request. If regularization shows a refund due to you, the landlord must reimburse you within a reasonable time.

Disputing a regularization

If you dispute the amount, first request the supporting documents in writing and keep a copy. Then send a formal dispute if the answer is unsatisfactory.

• Request the supporting documents by email or simple letter and keep records.
• Send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt if necessary.
• Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission before any judicial action if you seek mediation.
• As a last resort, the judicial court resolves disputes relating to service charges.

How to

1. Ask the landlord, in writing, for detailed supporting documents for the period concerned.
2. Check the invoices and the allocation key by comparing to statements and the lease.
3. If the explanation is unsatisfactory, send a registered letter with AR to contest the amount.
4. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt an amicable solution.
5. If necessary, take action before the judicial court attaching all supporting documents.

FAQ

What supporting documents can I ask from the landlord?

You can ask for invoices, maintenance contracts and accounting statements used to calculate the charges.

What is the deadline to dispute a regularization?

It is advisable to dispute promptly and send a registered letter; referring to the departmental conciliation commission should be done before any judicial procedure if you seek conciliation.

Can the landlord bill me for any expense?

No, only expenses listed as recoverable and justified can be charged to the tenant.

Key takeaways

• Always request and keep supporting documents for charges.
• Send a written dispute before any judicial action.
• Use the departmental conciliation commission as a mediation step.

Help and support

• [2] Service-public.fr — Service charges (explanations and templates)
• [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
• [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Service charges (explanations and templates)
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission