Tenant Rights for APL Simulation in France

Being a tenant in France and receiving an APL simulation from the CAF can cause concern: the simulation affects administrative procedures, the calculation of benefits and sometimes interactions with the landlord. This guide clearly explains what an APL simulation is, which documents the CAF may request, which information you may refuse to share, and which legal protections apply. You will learn when to provide supporting documents, how to correct a calculation error, and which steps to take to contest a decision with the CAF, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, or, as a last resort, the judicial court. The advice is practical and designed to protect your tenant rights.

What to do if the CAF shows an APL simulation?

The "simulation" often corresponds to an automated estimate of rights based on declared data. It is not a definitive payment decision: the CAF makes a decision after verifying supporting documents. As a tenant, you can request which data were used and ask for correction in case of error. If the simulation affects your file (for example due to incorrect benefit calculation), provide the requested documents quickly while keeping copies.

• CAF payment attestation or recent decision notification (if available).
• Pay slips or proof of income used in the simulation.
• Emails and screenshots of the simulation or exchanges with the CAF.
• Rent receipts if the simulation is used to calculate the amount considered for the benefit.

Your rights vis-à-vis the landlord

The landlord can ask for reasonable supporting documents to verify eligibility for housing assistance, but cannot require excessive or irregular data. The lease rules and the law govern requests for documents and the protection of personal data, notably to prevent discrimination or invasion of privacy.^[1]

Appeals and procedures

If the simulation leads to a decision you contest, start by contacting the CAF to request a review or provide supporting documents. If disagreement persists, the departmental conciliation commission can be seized to attempt an amicable solution. As a last resort, the judicial court is competent for disputes related to the lease or the enforcement of an administrative decision affecting your housing.^[2]

1. Contact the CAF and request correction or disclosure of the elements used in the simulation.
2. Gather supporting documents and send them by registered mail or via the CAF account (keep proof).
3. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission for mediation.
4. If necessary, prepare a file for the judicial court, seeking advice (tenant associations, legal aid if eligible).

FAQ

Does the CAF simulation have the force of a decision?

No, the simulation is an estimate; the final decision depends on the supporting documents provided and CAF's verification.

Can my landlord request the simulation or my CAF credentials?

The landlord can request reasonable documents, but must not demand your credentials or excessive documents that infringe on privacy.

What to do if the simulation causes a reduction in assistance that may affect my housing?

Provide supporting documents promptly, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, and as a last resort, the judicial court.

How to

1. Immediately gather the documents requested by the CAF (attestations, pay slips, rent receipts).
2. Contact the CAF via your online account and keep copies of exchanges.
3. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission if the response is unsatisfactory.
4. Prepare a file for the judicial court by collecting evidence, letters and CAF notifications.

Help and resources

• APL page - Service-public.fr
• Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 - Legifrance
• Departmental conciliation commission - Service-public.fr

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Housing benefits (APL)
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission