Tenant rights CDC: documents to provide France
In France, a tenant who refers a case to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) must prepare a clear and complete file to defend their rights. This article explains which documents to collect — identity proofs, rent receipts, bills, dated photos of the property — how to organize them, which deadlines to respect and what steps to follow if conciliation fails and you need to bring the matter before the judicial court. The tone is practical and accessible, designed to help any tenant understand the process, avoid common mistakes and prepare a solid appeal without legal jargon. You will also find a step-by-step guide to assemble the file and useful official references.
What to do before preparing your CDC file?
Before sending your file to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC), check deadlines and gather evidence and written exchanges.[1]
- Note the deadlines and applicable time limits for your situation.
- Collect all evidence (photos, letters, inventories).
- Contact your landlord to attempt an amicable resolution before the CDC.
- Review your rental agreement to check clauses and obligations.
Make digital copies and back them up in multiple locations.
Essential documents to provide
The law governing leases sets out obligations for landlords and tenants; take the relevant articles into account when preparing your file.[2]
- Tenant's identity document and any representative's ID.
- Rental agreement or any signed addenda.
- Rent receipts or recent proofs of payment.
- Entry and exit inventories and dated photos.
- Invoices or letters regarding repairs and intervention requests.
- Letters exchanged with the landlord (formal notices, replies).
A clear and dated file makes it easier for the CDC to review the case.
FAQ
- What does the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) do?
- It seeks an amicable agreement between tenant and landlord without a court judgment.
- Which documents are priority in a CDC file?
- Identity proof, rental agreement, rent receipts, dated photos and written exchanges.
- What if conciliation fails?
- You can bring the case before the judicial court while keeping all your evidence and respecting deadlines.
How to organize and send the file
Organize by themes (payments, repairs, communications) and include a cover summary.
- Arrange documents in chronological order.
- Write a short facts summary at the front of the file.
- Send the file following the modalities indicated by the CDC or by registered mail if required.
Respond promptly to requests for information to avoid delaying the procedure.
How to
- Gather all the documents listed above.
- Make copies and prepare a clear table of contents.
- File or send the dossier to the CDC according to local instructions.
- If conciliation fails, bring the matter before the judicial court with the complete file attached.
Key takeaways
- A complete file increases the chances of conciliation.
- Strictly respect procedural deadlines.
- Keep both digital and paper copies of all documents.
Help and support / Resources
- Departmental conciliation commission (CDC) — Service-public.fr
- Templates for contracts and inventories — Service-public.fr
- Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
