Security Deposit Return in France for Tenants

As a tenant in France, getting your security deposit back can raise questions about deadlines, reasons for deductions and the steps to follow. This article clearly explains what the law says about maximum return periods, how to calculate possible deductions for repairs or unpaid rent, and the role of the inventory of fixtures. You will find practical steps to request the refund, the evidence to gather, and the possible remedies — from conciliation to bringing the matter before the judicial court. Official references and links to Service-public and Legifrance are cited to verify each point.

Understanding the return deadlines

The landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant within a maximum period of one month when the move-out inventory of fixtures is identical to the move-in inventory, and within a maximum period of two months when deductions are justified.^[1]

Calculating deductions and supporting documents

Deductions must be justified by invoices or quotes. Here are common reasons:

• Repairs justified by an invoice or quote.
• Amount withheld for unpaid rent or unresolved charges.
• Replacement of keys or locks if necessary.
• Cleaning if the property is returned extremely dirty without proof of abnormal wear.

How to request the refund

Send a written request to the landlord attaching the inventory of fixtures and proof of payments. If the landlord does not respond, formalize a notice before starting a procedure.

• Send a registered letter or an email with acknowledgment of receipt.
• Attach the move-out inventory, photos and receipts.
• Send a formal notice to the landlord if the legal deadline is exceeded.

Remedies if the landlord does not return the deposit

If the formal notice has no effect, first attempt conciliation via the departmental conciliation commission (CDC), then bring the matter before the judicial court if necessary.^[2]

• Submit the case to the departmental conciliation commission for an amicable solution.
• Bring the case before the judicial court if conciliation fails.
• Prepare all evidence: inventories, photos, invoices and receipts.

FAQ

What is the legal deadline for returning the security deposit?

The landlord must return the deposit at the latest within one month if the move-out inventory is compliant, or within two months if justified deductions apply.^[1]

What supporting documents must the landlord provide?

Any deduction must be justified by invoices or quotes; for unpaid rent, provide receipts and statements.

What to do if the deposit is not returned?

Try the departmental conciliation commission, then bring the case before the judicial court if necessary.^[2]

How to proceed

1. Check the inventory of fixtures and gather evidence.
2. Send a written request to the landlord (registered letter or email with acknowledgment).
3. Submit the case to the departmental conciliation commission if refused or no response.
4. Bring the matter before the judicial court as a last resort.

Key takeaways

• A clear inventory of fixtures reduces the risk of deductions.
• Keep all proof of payments and repairs.
• Act promptly and respect deadlines.

Help and resources

• Security deposit return - Service-public
• Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989 - Legifrance

1. [1] Service-public - Security deposit return
2. [2] Legifrance - Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989