Rent Reduction for Broken Heating — Tenants France
When the heating breaks down, a tenant in France can request a rent reduction if the dwelling loses comfort or habitability. This article explains in plain language the deadlines to respect, which evidence to collect, how to alert the landlord and which remedies are available if there is no action. Procedures rely on residential lease rules and the conciliation or judicial routes available to tenants. Keep letters and photos, act quickly and follow the recommended steps to maximize your chances of obtaining a reduction or a prompt repair.
Que dit la loi ?
Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 governs residential leases and requires the landlord to provide a decent dwelling in good repair. In case of heating failure affecting the enjoyment of the dwelling, the tenant can request repair and, if the problem persists, seek a rent reduction or an expert assessment.[1]
Quels délais et démarches ?
Act quickly: inform the landlord as soon as the failure occurs and request written intervention. If the landlord does not repair the issue within a reasonable time, you can send a formal notice by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, then refer to the departmental conciliation commission or to the court if necessary.[2]
- Send written notification to the landlord describing the failure and the date of occurrence.
- Keep photos, written exchanges, invoices and heating receipts if applicable as evidence.
- Respect reasonable deadlines: allow time for intervention then follow up before any procedure.
Comment calculer la réduction ?
There is not always a fixed scale: the reduction depends on loss of enjoyment, the duration of the failure and the impact on your comfort. Judges often compare the loss or the cost of temporary solutions to determine a prorated portion of the rent. You can propose a reasoned amount based on the number of days without heating and the severity of the inconvenience.
FAQ
- Can I stop paying rent if the heating does not work?
- No, it is risky to stop paying the full rent; it is better to send a formal notice, document the failure and request a reduction or withhold part of the rent only after legal advice.
- What deadline should I give the landlord to repair the heating?
- You must allow a reasonable time depending on the urgency: a few days for a winter failure, then follow up in writing and send a formal notice if necessary.
- Where to bring a dispute if nothing advances?
- Start with the Departmental Conciliation Commission, then bring the case to the judicial court if conciliation fails.
Comment faire
- Inform the landlord immediately in writing and describe precisely the failure and its date.
- Gather evidence: photos, exchanges, invoices and witness statements if possible.
- Follow up with the landlord after a reasonable delay and send a registered letter if there is no response.
- Refer the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission if the situation persists.
- As a last resort, file a claim with the judicial court to request a reduction or repair and possibly damages.
Points clés
- Act quickly and inform the landlord in writing to protect your rights.
- Gather all evidence (photos, letters, invoices) before any procedure.
- Respect reasonable delays and use conciliation before going to court.
