Senior Tenant Rights in France

If you are a senior tenant in France, it is important to know the conditions and documents that protect your rights. This guide clearly explains common documents (identity proof, income statements, lease, inventory of fixtures), the landlord's obligations regarding repairs and habitability, and the remedies available in case of dispute, notably the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. You will find practical steps to prepare a file, respond to a notice, or contest a formal notice. The tone remains accessible so that every senior tenant can act with confidence and assert their rights without unnecessary legal jargon.

Who is concerned and why these documents?

Senior tenants are concerned from the signing of a rental contract: landlords often request several documents to verify identity, income and solvency. A complete file makes signing the lease easier and protects you in case of dispute. For a model lease and explanations on the inventory of fixtures, see the official resources.^[2]

• Identity document (identity card or passport).
• Proof of income (pension statement or tax notice).
• Signed lease or draft lease.
• Inventory of fixtures at entry and proof of prior maintenance.
• Rent payment receipts or proof of transfers.

Main rules and obligations

Residential rental in France is governed by the 1989 law and its amendments; it sets the rights and duties of tenants and landlords, notably on security deposit, notice periods and repairs.^[1]

• Security deposit: amount and refund according to the lease.
• Repairs and maintenance: the landlord must ensure habitability and major repairs.
• Notice and deadlines: respect legal deadlines to leave the property or respond to a formal notice.

Remedies and mediation

In case of dispute, start with an amicable resolution: contact the landlord and propose mediation. The departmental conciliation commission (CDC) can be seized free of charge before going to court.^[3] If mediation fails, the judicial court handles rental disputes.

FAQ

What documents should be provided to sign a lease?

Provide an identity document, proof of income (pension, tax notice), any required guarantees and the information requested by the landlord.

Who pays for which repairs in the dwelling?

The landlord is responsible for major repairs and the habitability of the dwelling; the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs.

What to do if the landlord does not meet their obligations?

Gather evidence (photos, letters), contact the landlord, then seize the CDC or the judicial court if necessary.

How to

1. Gather all useful documents: identity proof, income proof, lease and inventories of fixtures.
2. Send a written request to the landlord (registered letter or e-mail) explaining the situation and attaching documents.
3. If the response is delayed, contact the departmental conciliation commission or a tenant information service.
4. If mediation fails, prepare a case file with evidence and bring the matter before the judicial court.
5. Keep copies of all exchanges and evidence to support your case.

Key points

• Check the habitability of the housing before signing the lease.
• Keep an organized file of all proofs and receipts.
• Respect deadlines for notices and formal responses.

Help and resources

• [2] Service-public.fr - Model lease and information
• [2] Service-public.fr - Inventory of fixtures (état des lieux)
• [1] Legifrance.gouv.fr - Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989

1. [1] Legifrance.gouv.fr - Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Model lease and information
3. [3] Service-public.fr - Departmental conciliation commission