Tenant Rights for Annual Rent Review in France
As a tenant in France, understanding your rights during an annual rent review allows you to act quickly and protect your home. Increases must comply with the lease's revision clause and the Rent Reference Index (IRL); they are not automatic or unlimited. This article simply explains when and how a landlord can raise the rent, how to check the calculation, which deadlines apply, and what steps to take to contest an abusive increase. You will also find concrete steps to keep evidence, contact the departmental conciliation commission and, if necessary, refer the matter to the judicial court. The tone remains practical and accessible to help you assert your rights.
What does the law say?
Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 governs landlord-tenant relations and sets rules for rent setting and revision for main residence leases. The lease must include a revision clause and the use of the IRL when contractually provided.[1] The terms and possibility of increase may also be limited by local provisions or specific regulations.
How is the rent revised?
The annual revision generally follows the clause provided in the lease: the amount can be indexed to the Rent Reference Index (IRL). The landlord must apply the specified formula and indicate the index variation to justify the increase. Always check the effective date and the proposed calculation before paying an increased amount.[2]
What to do if the landlord proposes an increase?
- Check the revision clause in your lease and recompute the indexing amount using the IRL to confirm the calculation.
- Request written supporting documents from the landlord and keep all exchanges and proof of payment.
- If you dispute the increase, contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) before any legal action, then the judicial court if necessary.
Deadlines and formalities
The landlord must respect the timetable provided in the lease to apply the increase. In case of dispute, respond promptly and respect deadlines for referring the matter to the CDC or the judicial court. Your silence is not formal acceptance; however, do not miss deadlines to take action.
FAQ
- Can the landlord increase the rent every year?
- He can only increase the rent if a revision clause is included in the lease and the increase complies with the agreed indexing formula (often linked to the IRL).
- How to contest an increase considered abusive?
- Keep evidence, request written supporting documents, contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission, and, as a last resort, the judicial court.
- What does a correct calculation of an IRL-indexed revision contain?
- The calculation shows the change in the IRL between two periods and applies the lease formula to adjust the rent amount.
How-To
- Check your lease and the inventory of fixtures to confirm the existence and drafting of the revision clause.
- Calculate the increase by applying the IRL according to the lease formula and compare it with the landlord's proposal.
- Send a written request or registered letter to the landlord to obtain supporting documents and state your position.
- Refer the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission, then the judicial court if conciliation fails.
Key takeaways
- A revision clause is required for an annual increase to be valid.
- The IRL is generally used as the basis for calculation; check the lease formula.
- Document all exchanges and keep payment proofs.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent revision — Service-public.fr
- Légifrance — Official texts
- Departmental Conciliation Commission — Service-public.fr
