Tenant appeal: reference rent increase in France

If you are a tenant in France and your lease states a rent based on an increased reference rent, you can challenge that setting. This article explains, step by step and in plain language, how to check the rent calculation, gather evidence (contract, notices, photos), contact the Commission départementale de conciliation or, as a last resort, the judicial court. You will learn which deadlines to respect, which documents to produce, and which amicable steps to favor before a legal procedure. The goal is to give you concrete actions to protect your tenant rights, reduce an incorrect rent or prepare a solid challenge without complex legal jargon.

Understand the reference rent

The reference rent is a benchmark used in certain regulated areas to limit rents. If the applied rent exceeds the increased reference rent, the tenant can request explanations from the landlord and, if necessary, contest the increase.^[1]

What remedies for the tenant?

• Check deadlines and prescription (deadline) before acting.
• Request in writing from the landlord the supporting documents for the rent calculation (file).
• Gather evidence: contract, receipts, comparable listings, emails and photos (evidence).
• Try local mediation via the Commission départementale de conciliation (help).
• Bring the case before the judicial court if conciliation fails (court).

When to contact the landlord

Always start with a written request to obtain the calculation details and supporting documents; send it by registered mail or with acknowledgment of receipt to keep proof.

How to prepare a challenge

1. Collect all documents (lease, receipts, comparable ads) and note important dates (deadline).
2. Send a registered letter to the landlord requesting correction or supporting documents (file).
3. Contact the Commission départementale de conciliation to attempt an amicable agreement (help).
4. If necessary, bring the case to the judicial court with a complete file and evidence (court).

FAQ

Can the landlord increase the rent beyond the increased reference rent?

No without justification: an increase must comply with local rules and be justified; otherwise you can contest the increase and request supporting documents.

What deadlines apply if I find an excessive rent?

It is recommended to act as soon as you notice the error; some limitation periods may restrict your remedies, so send written requests quickly.

Do I have to go through the Commission départementale de conciliation?

Conciliation is often useful and sometimes required before certain actions; it allows finding an agreement without going to court.

How to

1. Check the lease and identify the amount of the reference rent indicated (evidence).
2. Send a formal request or demand for supporting documents to the landlord (file).
3. Refer the matter to the Commission départementale de conciliation if the response is unsatisfactory (help).
4. Prepare and file an application with the judicial court as a last resort (court).

Help and resources

• Service-public.fr (form) - Information and letter templates
• Legifrance (evidence) - Official texts and Law n° 89-462
• Justice.fr (help) - Information on judicial courts

1. [1] Legifrance - Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr - Modèles et démarches pour le logement
3. [3] Justice.fr - Saisine du tribunal judiciaire et informations pratiques