Student Tenant Rights in France

What does APL cover and what are your rights?

APL (personal housing allowance) reduces the monthly amount you pay but does not cancel your tenant rights: the lease remains the contractual framework and Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 sets the obligations of the landlord and tenant ^[1]. Keep letters and notifications related to APL and report any change to the Family Allowance Fund (CAF) to avoid overpayments.

Rent, repairs and inventory of fixtures

Rent must comply with the contract and local regulation (caps, annual revision). The landlord is obliged to ensure the decency and repairs necessary for habitability. Before moving in and when leaving, the inventory of fixtures clarifies responsibilities: keep your dated and signed copy and take photos on arrival and departure ^[2].

• Report serious defects to the landlord promptly in writing.
• Send a formal request (registered letter or email) describing the repairs needed.
• Keep evidence: photos, exchanges, quotes or invoices.

Procedures and remedies

If the landlord does not respond, respect formal deadlines (formal notice, reasonable time for intervention) then contact the departmental conciliation commission or the Judicial Court as appropriate. Conciliation is often a free and quick step to reach an agreement ^[3].

• First contact the landlord to try an amicable solution.
• Send a registered letter or email detailing the problem and your requests.
• Gather a complete file: proof of payment, photos, inventory, correspondence.
• Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission, then to the Judicial Court if necessary.

FAQ

What to do if CAF reduces my APL and I can no longer pay?

Contact CAF to understand the decision, inform your landlord and request a repayment schedule if necessary. Seek local social support as well.

The landlord refuses to carry out urgent repairs, what can I do?

Send a formal notice in writing, gather evidence, and refer to the departmental conciliation commission or the Judicial Court if the problem persists.

Can I contest a rent increase?

Yes, check the lease and the indexing rule. If the increase is illegal, contact the town hall or refer the matter to the conciliation commission.

How to

1. Contact the landlord in writing to report the issue and request a solution.
2. If there is no response, send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt detailing your requests.
3. Gather all evidence (photos, inventory, receipts, emails).
4. Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission, then to the Judicial Court if necessary.

Key takeaways

• Keep all documents and evidence related to the lease and APL.
• Favor conciliation before judicial proceedings.

Help and support / Resources

• [1] Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 — Legifrance
• [2] Model rental contract — Service-public.fr
• [3] Departmental conciliation commission — Service-public.fr

1. [1] Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 — Legifrance
2. [2] Model rental contract — Service-public.fr
3. [3] Departmental conciliation commission — Service-public.fr