Tenant Remedies for Early Move-Out in France
As a tenant in France, moving out before the end of the lease or ending it early often raises practical and legal questions. This guide explains step by step your rights, the obligations related to notice periods, the rules for the inventory of fixtures and the security deposit, and the possible remedies if the landlord refuses a receipt, demands unjustified sums or blocks the return of keys. You will find concrete steps to notify your withdrawal, negotiate an early departure, document repairs and, if necessary, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. The tone is simple and action-oriented to help you protect your interests.
What can the tenant do?
First, check the lease clauses and the rules from Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989[1]. Following the procedure limits the risk of dispute. Here are concrete actions to consider:
- Respect the applicable notice period according to your situation (1 month or 3 months depending on the reason).
- Send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or notify by bailiff to formalize the termination.
- Arrange and document the exit inventory with photos and copies to keep evidence.
- Request the return of the security deposit within legal deadlines and keep proof of payments.
- Contact the landlord to seek an amicable solution before initiating proceedings.
Procedures and deadlines
Respecting deadlines is crucial. In general, notice is one month in tense zones or for certain reasons, otherwise three months. The return of the deposit must occur within a time limit set by law, under penalty of interest in favor of the tenant. In case of dispute, the departmental conciliation commission can be seized before going to the judicial court; for forms and procedures, consult Service-public.fr[2].
- Notify your departure within the deadlines to avoid penalties related to the notice period.
- Carry out a joint exit inventory and request a signed copy.
- If the deposit is not returned, send a formal notice to the landlord in writing before taking action.
- Arrange the handover of keys in the presence of the landlord or a representative to avoid entry disputes.
Practical help for taking legal action
If negotiation fails, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) or the judicial court. The CDC is a recommended and often free step; the court can decide disputes related to the lease, the security deposit and owed sums.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt mediation before trial.
- Prepare a complete file: contract, letters, inventories, photos and payment proofs.
- If necessary, file an application with the judicial court to assert your rights.
FAQ
- How long is the notice period if I leave the property for personal reasons?
- The notice period is generally three months, except for exceptions (tense zone, job transfer, job loss, etc.) that can reduce the period to one month.
- Can I get my security deposit back immediately after the inventory?
- The landlord has a legal period to return the deposit, minus any justified deductions; in case of delay, interest may be owed to the tenant.
- What if the landlord refuses the exit inventory?
- Insist on a joint exit inventory, document the exit with dated photos and consider referring the matter to the conciliation commission or the court if necessary.
How-To
- Draft and send the termination letter respecting the applicable notice period.
- Schedule the exit inventory and take dated photos of rooms and any defects.
- Request the return of the security deposit in writing and set a reasonable deadline for repayment.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or, as a last resort, the judicial court if the conflict persists.
Help and Support
- Notice periods and termination — Service-public
- [1] Legifrance — Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989
- [2] Service-public — Departmental conciliation commission
