Tenant Lease Termination Letter Template France
As a tenant in France, terminating a lease involves specific rules on notice periods, the form of the letter and rights to protect. This article explains step by step how to draft a compliant lease termination letter template, which deadlines to respect depending on your reason (job transfer, repossession, rent increase, etc.), and which proofs to attach to avoid disputes. You will find practical advice for sending the letter (registered mail or hand delivery), managing the inventory of fixtures and the return of the security deposit, as well as remedies if the landlord disputes. The explanations remain simple so every tenant can act with confidence.
When and which notice period applies
The length of the notice depends on the reason and sometimes on the geographic area. As a general rule, the notice is one month for certain reasons (job transfer, loss of job, tense areas) and three months in other cases. Check your contract and the rules applicable to your municipality before sending the letter.[1] For general rules on residential leases, the Mermaz law (Law n° 89-462) and its implementing texts set out the obligations of the parties.[2]
What to include in the termination letter
A termination letter must state your contact details, the landlord's details, the address of the dwelling, the desired effective date and the reason if it reduces the notice. Keep a copy and, if possible, send by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or hand it over in person against receipt.
Example elements to include
- Clear indication of the date when the notice begins and the planned departure date.
- Complete contact details of the tenant and the landlord, and the rental contract reference.
- Brief description of the reason when it reduces the notice (e.g. job transfer).
- Request to arrange the exit inventory and the return of the security deposit.
Sending the letter and following the procedure
Prefer sending by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to constitute strong evidence. If you hand-deliver the letter, ask for a signed receipt. Note dates and keep all documents (contract, inventories of fixtures, exchanged letters).
Inventory of fixtures and security deposit
Arrange the exit inventory with the landlord or their representative and compare it with the entry inventory. Take dated photos and keep them. The return of the security deposit follows time rules after the inventory subject to justified deductions.
FAQ
- What is the notice period for a tenant in France?
- The period varies depending on the reason and the area: often one month for specific reasons and three months otherwise; check your specific situation.
- Should I state the reason in the letter?
- Yes if the reason reduces the notice (e.g. job transfer). Otherwise, a simple notice with the departure date is sufficient.
- How should I send the letter to be protected?
- Send by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or hand it over in person against receipt to create proof.
How to
- Check the contract and the notice period applicable to your reason for leaving.
- Draft the letter specifying contact details, address, departure date and reason if relevant.
- Send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or hand it over against receipt.
- Prepare the exit inventory with dated photos and keep the evidence.
- Return the keys and follow the procedure for the security deposit refund.
Key takeaways
- Respect notice periods that apply to your situation.
- Send the letter with proof of dispatch to protect yourself in disputes.
- Keep all evidence: inventories, photos and written exchanges.
