Rent Increase Rules for Tenants in France

As a tenant in France, understanding how rent revision works and the role of the Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) is essential to protect your rights. This article explains, in plain language, when and how a landlord can raise the rent, which clauses to look for in the lease, and what steps to take if the dwelling is an energy "leak" ("passoire" in French). You will find practical steps to check the indexation calculation, request supporting documents, contact the departmental conciliation commission, and, if necessary, go before the judicial court. The aim is to give clear guidance so you can act and avoid unpleasant surprises.

What does rent revision and the DPE cover?

Rent revision is regulated by law and can only occur if a revision clause is included in the lease and according to the agreed index (for example the IRL). ^[1] The DPE provides information on the energy performance of the dwelling and may impose obligations on the landlord; it is useful to assess comfort and the cost of charges. ^[3] In practice, an increase must be justified and follow the written terms of the contract.

How to read a revision clause in your lease

• Check whether the clause mentions rent indexation and the periodicity.
• Verify the calculation method and request supporting documents from the landlord.
• Respect the deadlines to apply an increase, usually annual.
• Keep all documents: rent receipts, exchanges and the inventory of fixtures.

What to do if your dwelling is an energy "leak"?

If the DPE ranks the dwelling among the most energy-consuming, the landlord may be required to carry out work or face restrictions on renting. ^[3] These measures evolve and can affect the rental or rent increases; get informed and ask the landlord for official documents.

FAQ

Can the landlord increase the rent whenever they want?

No. An increase requires a written clause and compliance with the index and periodicity provided. ^[1]

How is indexation calculated?

The clause refers to a published index; the calculation must follow the formula indicated in the lease and the landlord must provide the calculation and supporting documents. ^[1]

Can the DPE prevent an increase?

The DPE is not itself an indexation tool, but a poor rating can lead to obligations or bans that influence renting. ^[3]

How to contest an increase?

First contact the landlord, then the departmental conciliation commission; as a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court. ^[2]

How to

1. Check the lease and the DPE to understand the clause and the energy rating.
2. Request the supporting documents and the breakdown of the calculation from the landlord.
3. Contact the departmental conciliation commission to propose mediation.
4. Bring the case before the judicial court if conciliation fails.

Key takeaways

• Always check the written rent revision clause in your lease.
• Ask for and keep the calculation supporting documents provided by the landlord.
• Favor conciliation before starting any judicial procedure.

Help and Support

• Service-public.fr - Lease contract model
• Legifrance - Laws and articles
• Service-public.fr - Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE)

1. [1] Legifrance - Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Lease contract model
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE)