Tenant Notice Periods in France
As a tenant in France, knowing when and how to send a registered letter to terminate a lease is essential. This article clearly explains the legal deadlines depending on your situation (reduced notice, furnished or unfurnished lease, legitimate reasons), how to calculate the sending and receipt dates, and what evidence to keep. You will find sample letters, steps to send registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt, and possible remedies in case of dispute. Official sources (Service-Public, Legifrance) and practical tips will help you follow the rules, avoid conflicts, and protect your tenant rights. Read carefully.
What are the legal deadlines for the registered letter
The notice period depends on the lease type and your situation: for a standard unfurnished lease, the notice is generally three months, while for a furnished lease it is one month. Reductions apply in strained market areas or for legitimate reasons (job loss, transfer, obtaining social housing). Check official texts to verify your specific case.[1][2]
Always keep a copy of the letter and the acknowledgment of receipt.
Standard notice (unfurnished lease)
- The notice period is three months unless exceptions apply by law.
- The start date is the receipt of the letter by the landlord or their representative.
Furnished lease and special situations
- For a furnished lease, the notice period is generally one month.
- In strained market areas, notice can be reduced to one month for unfurnished leases.
Respond promptly to any notice from your landlord to avoid losing rights.
How to calculate sending and receipt dates
The relevant date is recorded on the acknowledgment of receipt given by the postal service or the postmark if you use proof of posting. If the final day of the notice falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline is generally extended to the next business day. Keep the acknowledgment of receipt and all proof of sending in case of dispute before the Judicial Court.
Letter template and content
- Include your name, address, lease reference, and the planned move-out date.
- Specify the reason if you are entitled to a reduced notice period.
A clear, dated letter makes proving notification easier if a dispute arises.
FAQ
- What is the notice period for a tenant?
- The period varies: three months for an unfurnished lease, one month for a furnished lease, with possible exceptions (strained area, legitimate reasons).
- Should I send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt?
- Yes, sending by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt is the strongest proof of notification date.
- What if the landlord disputes the date?
- Keep the acknowledgment of receipt, contact the departmental conciliation commission, or seize the Judicial Court if necessary.
How-To
- Check the lease type and the notice period applicable to your case.
- Draft the letter indicating the move-out date and the reason if applicable.
- Calculate the latest sending date to meet the legal notice period.
- Send the letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt and keep the receipt.
- Archive all evidence (letter, AR, exchanges) if you need to prove the notification date.
Key takeaways
- The notice period depends on the lease type and personal circumstances.
- Registered mail with acknowledgment is the safest proof.
- Keep all documentation to prevent disputes.
Help and Support
- Service-public.fr - Lease termination
- Legifrance - Official texts (1989 law and applicable codes)
- Service-public.fr - Termination letter: template and advice
