Tenant Guide: Service Charges Reconciliation in France

The annual reconciliation of service charges can surprise many tenants in France, especially when the amount requested differs from the provisions paid during the year. This guide explains, in clear language, which supporting documents the landlord can request, what your obligations and rights are, and how to check the calculations. It also recalls the deadlines to respect for disputes and the main administrative or judicial steps available, based on Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 and public resources. ^[1] Keep your rent receipts and statements: they are often decisive in case of a dispute.

What does annual charge reconciliation cover?

Reconciliation allows adjustment between the provisions paid by the tenant and the actual charges incurred by the landlord for the building or the dwelling (maintenance, elevator, water, etc.). The landlord must present supporting documents and detail the calculation for each charge item.

Common supporting documents

• Supplier invoices (water, collective heating) and consumption summaries.
• Maintenance contracts (elevator, boiler) and management notes for co-ownerships.
• Statements or management accounts when the lease provides an itemization.

Deadlines and calculation

The landlord must send the reconciliation within a reasonable time after closing the building accounts; there is no single deadline set by law for all cases, but they must act without undue delay. The calculation compares provisions paid and actual charges: if you overpaid, the landlord must refund; if you owe, they may request an additional payment.

How to verify and dispute a reconciliation

If you doubt the amount claimed, proceed as follows: ask for an itemized breakdown, the nature of expenses and the corresponding invoices. You can send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to request the documents and state your reservations.

• Request in writing the breakdown and supporting invoices.
• Keep all rent receipts and proofs of payment.
• If the dispute persists, contact the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) or a legal advice desk.

FAQ

Can the landlord require original supporting documents?

No, they can provide copies of invoices and documents; you may request photocopies or consult the documents on site if necessary.

What is the deadline to dispute a reconciliation?

There is no single deadline, but you should act promptly: write upon receipt, then if necessary, contact the CDC or the judicial court.

Can I stop paying a contested reconciliation?

It is not recommended to suspend payments without agreement or court decision; in case of dispute, seek mediation or go to court while continuing to pay current rent.

How-To

1. Ask for an itemized breakdown and the corresponding invoices in writing.
2. Check calculations by comparing provisions and actual expenses.
3. Contact the CDC or a legal advice desk if the landlord does not respond or the dispute continues.
4. Take the matter to the judicial court as a last resort, with all evidence organized.

Key takeaways

• Keep all receipts and written exchanges about rent and charges.
• Request detailed supporting documents for each charge item.

Help and resources

• Service-public: Service charges and recoverable charges
• Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
• Service-public: Model lease and inventory of fixtures

1. [1] Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
2. [2] Service charges and recoverable charges - Service-public
3. [3] Model lease and inventory of fixtures - Service-public