Tenant remedies for landlord access to property in France
When a landlord requests access to your dwelling to carry out works, tenants in France need to know their rights and the possible steps to refuse, require notice, or obtain compensation. This article plainly explains the rules derived from the 1989 law and applicable codes, the deadlines to respect, the evidence to collect (letters, photos, quotes) and the stages to challenge an unlawful entry, including referring the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. The tips below help you prepare a clear response to the landlord, protect your privacy and avoid unjustified rent increases due to works.
What the law says and your rights
Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 governs residential leases and the mutual obligations of landlord and tenant.[1] A landlord may request access to carry out works necessary for the safety or preservation of the dwelling, but must respect the tenant's right to peaceful enjoyment and privacy. You can ask for written notice, be informed of the duration and hours of intervention, and require that visiting workers show identification.
What the landlord can request and what you can demand
- Requirement of reasonable notice before access to the dwelling.
- Request justified by the nature of the works and the safety of the dwelling.
- Access for urgent works (safety, leaks) is possible without excessive delay but limited to necessary interventions.
- Possibility to discuss compensation if works cause significant inconvenience or loss of use.
- Right to request an inspection report or written account of interventions.
How to document an access request
Always ask for a written request or a clear message stating the date, time, identity of workers and nature of the works. If the landlord does not provide information, send a registered letter or an email summary to create a written record. inspection reports and quotes related to the works are useful evidence.[2]
Possible remedies
- Contact the landlord first to request explanations and propose an alternative schedule.
- If access is abusive, send a formal notice by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- Gather evidence: photos, witness statements, letters, quotes and inspection reports.
- Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt an amicable solution.
- As a last resort, bring an action before the judicial court to enforce your rights.
FAQ
- Can the landlord enter without warning?
- No, except in an emergency justifying immediate intervention (safety risk). Outside emergencies, the landlord must warn and justify access.
- What deadlines must the landlord respect for non-urgent works?
- He must provide reasonable notice and agree on hours compatible with the tenant's privacy; there is not always a single statutory deadline, but written communication is required.
- What to do if the landlord enters without authorization?
- Collect evidence, send a formal notice, refer to the departmental conciliation commission, then the judicial court if necessary.
How to
- Contact the landlord in writing to ask for the nature of the works and propose an appointment.
- Set a written appointment specifying date, time and expected duration of interventions.
- Ask for quotes and a work order to determine whether the works are necessary and justified.
- Document the access: take dated photos, keep messages and obtain an inspection report if needed.
- If dialogue fails, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, then the judicial court with your evidence.
Key points
- Always keep written records of access requests and interventions.
- Respect response deadlines to preserve your rights in case of dispute.
- Favor conciliation before starting judicial procedures.
Help and support
- Inspection reports and templates (Service-public)
- Lease agreement and obligations (Service-public)
- Law texts and resources (Legifrance)
