Tenant deadlines in France: furnished vs empty lease

As a tenant in France, it is essential to know the legal deadlines that apply to furnished and empty leases: notice periods, deadlines for carrying out repairs, deadlines for refunding the security deposit and procedural deadlines in case of dispute. This article clearly explains the main practical differences between the two types of contracts, the rights and obligations of the tenant and the landlord, and the steps to take if you receive notice or suffer a breach. You will also find advice on complying with or challenging a deadline, official resources and concrete actions to take.

Quels délais selon le type de bail ?

Rules vary depending on whether the lease is furnished or empty. The general framework for rentals is set out in law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 and its amendments^[1]. For model contracts, inventories and practical information, consult the official Service-public website.

Préavis (délai de départ)

• Empty lease: standard notice period of 3 months, reduced to 1 month in high-demand zones or for specific reasons.
• Furnished lease: one month notice for the tenant in most cases.

Dépôt de garantie et restitution

• Furnished lease: security deposit typically equal to one month’s rent.
• Empty lease: security deposit typically equal to two months’ rent.
• Refund: the landlord must return the deposit within a legal timeframe (linked to the exit inventory and any justified deductions).

Réparations, mise en demeure et délais

• Urgent repairs: the landlord must intervene for repairs related to safety and habitability.
• Formal notice: send a registered letter to request the intervention, specifying a reasonable deadline.
• Evidence: keep photos, emails and quotes to document contacts and deadlines.

If the landlord does not respect their obligations, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court as appropriate^[3]. Before any legal action, document deadlines and reminders.

Démarches pratiques et délais à retenir

• Respect the notice periods indicated in the contract or by law to avoid penalties.
• Send notifications by registered mail or electronically if the lease allows it.
• Always keep written proof of payments and repair requests to support your case.

FAQ

Quel est le délai de préavis pour un locataire en bail vide ?

Le préavis est en principe de 3 mois, réduit à 1 mois dans certains cas (zones tendues, motif professionnel, mutation, perte d’emploi, etc.).

Combien de temps pour récupérer mon dépôt de garantie ?

La restitution intervient après l'état des lieux de sortie ; le délai précis dépend des retenues éventuelles justifiées par le propriétaire.

Que faire si les réparations ne sont pas effectuées ?

Envoyez une mise en demeure écrite, conservez les preuves et saisissez la Commission départementale de conciliation ou le tribunal si nécessaire.

Comment faire

1. Gather documents: lease, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts and exchanges with the landlord.
2. Send a dated formal notice by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt.
3. If there is no response, contact the departmental conciliation commission for an amicable settlement attempt.
4. As a last resort, bring the case before the judicial court attaching all evidence of your steps.

Points essentiels

• Notice periods clearly differ between furnished and empty leases.
• The security deposit and its refund follow precise rules and must be documented.
• Always keep written proof of your exchanges and repair requests.

Aide et ressources

• Service-public.fr — Tenant information
• Legifrance.gouv.fr — Law n° 89-462 text
• Justice.fr — Judicial court information

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public — Practical information and models
3. [3] Justice.fr — Judicial court information