Tenant rights for charge errors in France

First steps

Start by checking the supporting documents provided by the landlord: detailed charges, invoices and contracts. Compare with your own receipts and statements to spot anomalies.

• Charge statements provided by the landlord
• Rent receipts and proofs of payment
• Rental contract and inventory of fixtures
• Maintenance or supply invoices (if available)

How to dispute the adjustment

First contact the landlord to request written explanations. If the response is unsatisfactory, send a formal dispute by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt and keep a copy. You can, if needed, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission for mediation ^[1], then to the judicial court as a last resort.

• Contact the landlord to obtain supporting documents
• Send a registered dispute letter (LRAR)
• Refer to the departmental conciliation commission to seek mediation
• Refer the case to the judicial court if mediation fails

Calculation, evidence and practical points

Verify the calculation: only retain what is due according to the supporting documents and the contract. Record amounts already paid and ask the landlord for detailed invoices. Make copies and photos of all documents.

• Compare billed amounts and payments made
• Gather invoices, contracts, statements and written exchanges
• Note any works or interventions related to the charges

Possible remedies

Depending on the case, you may obtain a refund, a corrected adjustment, or a payment spread. If the error benefits the landlord, request a clear written refund. In case of persistent disagreement, the judge can decide based on the submitted documents ^[2].

Key points

• Act quickly and document every exchange.
• Gather supporting documents before starting a procedure.
• The departmental conciliation commission is a free and useful step.

FAQ

How do I dispute a charge adjustment?

First send a written request to the landlord, then a registered dispute letter if necessary. You can refer to the departmental conciliation commission [1] or the judicial court afterwards.

Which documents should I provide to prove an error?

Provide receipts, payment statements, rental contracts, invoices and any written exchanges with the landlord.

What is the deadline to act?

It is important to react quickly and respect applicable limitation periods; if in doubt, keep evidence and refer to the CDC or the court if necessary [2].

How to

1. Gather all relevant documents (receipts, invoices, contracts).
2. Contact the landlord for a written explanation.
3. Send a registered dispute letter if necessary.
4. Refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission to attempt an amicable agreement.
5. Refer the case to the judicial court as a last resort with all your evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Service-public.fr — Charges locatives et régularisation
• Service-public.fr — Commission départementale de conciliation
• Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989

1. [1] Service-public.fr — Charges locatives et régularisation
2. [2] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989