Tenant recourse for APL simulation in France
Receiving a notification from the CAF alleging an "APL simulation" can be stressful for a tenant in France. This text explains, in simple terms, what your rights are, which evidence to gather (rental contract, tax notice, rent receipts, correspondences) and the first steps to take with the CAF or via a departmental conciliation commission. You will also find the deadlines to respect and the stages if you must bring the matter before the judicial court. The aim is to help you protect your tenant rights without unnecessary legal jargon and with concrete actions to take quickly.[2]
What to do immediately
Act quickly but calmly. Here are the priority steps for a tenant facing an APL simulation:
- Gather all evidence related to your housing situation: lease, inventory, receipts and letters.
- Contact the CAF to request the written justification of the "simulation" and a calculation statement.
- If the response is insufficient, request mediation via the departmental conciliation commission (CDC).
- As a last resort, prepare a file for the judicial court if the situation is not resolved.
Useful evidence and how to organize it
The most useful documents are the rental contract, the tax notice, CAF statements, rent receipts and any written exchanges with the landlord or CAF. File them by date and make timestamped digital copies if possible. Photos and screenshots of listings or housing terms can also help.
Deadlines and procedures
Always reply to registered letters within the indicated deadlines. To dispute a calculation or decision of the CAF, follow the administrative prior recourse procedure when applicable, then refer to the CDC or the court as appropriate. Deadlines vary according to the nature of the decision; acting quickly preserves your rights.[1]
Concrete actions examples
- Send a copy of the lease and receipts to the CAF by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- Request contact with your department's CDC if the dispute persists.
- Prepare a file with a timeline, evidence and copies of all steps before seizing the judicial court.
FAQ
- What does an "APL simulation" by the CAF mean?
- The "simulation" refers to a recalculation or reconstruction of your rights by the CAF, often following a report or an inconsistency.
- What are my recourses if the CAF requests reimbursement?
- You can request written explanations, contest the decision with the CAF, seize the CDC, then the judicial court if necessary.
- Do I need a lawyer to contest a CAF decision?
- A lawyer can help, but many cases start with mediation or a CDC referral without a lawyer.
How to
- Gather all supporting documents (lease, receipts, tax notice).
- Contact the CAF to obtain the calculation details and request a review if necessary.
- If discussions do not succeed, refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission.
- As a last resort, file an application with the judicial court with a complete file.
Key points
- Keep all evidence of your housing situation and payments.
- Contact the CAF promptly and request written explanations.
- Use the CDC before considering going to court.
