Tenant Rights: Conciliation Hearing in France

What happens at a conciliation hearing?

The conciliation hearing brings together the tenant, the landlord and an impartial conciliator to try to reach an amicable agreement on a housing dispute. The conciliator proposes solutions and can help clarify contested points; if an agreement is reached it is formalized in writing and can be enforceable. The departmental conciliation commission is a free step and is often required before going to court in certain cases ^[2].

How to prepare

Good preparation increases your chances of a satisfactory outcome. Collect documents, note key facts and prepare a clear statement of your request.

• Gather evidence (photos, receipts, rent slips) and relevant contracts ^[3].
• Print rent statements and proof of payments.
• List repair requests and keep estimates or written exchanges with the landlord.
• Check applicable deadlines and prepare a timeline of important events.

During the hearing

The conciliator listens to both parties, asks questions and may propose a compromise. The hearing is informal: each side briefly presents its version and submits documents. If no solution is found, referral to the judicial court remains possible to resolve the dispute in accordance with the law and case law ^[1].

After conciliation

If an agreement is signed, keep the signed copy: it can serve for amicable enforcement. If no agreement, the party wishing to do so can bring the case before the judicial court to obtain a decision. Agreements may sometimes be validated or formalized to ease enforcement.

FAQ

Who can refer a case to the departmental conciliation commission?

The tenant or the landlord can refer a housing dispute to the CDC before bringing it to court.

Do I need a lawyer to attend conciliation?

No, but you can be assisted by a legal advisor or an association. A lawyer is not always required.

What happens if conciliation fails?

If no agreement is reached, the most diligent party can seize the judicial court to resolve the dispute.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: photos, rent receipts and organized emails.
2. Draft a clear letter of request (formal notice if necessary).
3. File with the CDC by submitting your file or completing the appropriate form.
4. Attend the conciliation hearing with all documents.
5. If an agreement is reached, formalize it in writing and keep a signed copy.

Help and resources

• Commission départementale de conciliation
• Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989 (rental)
• Rental agreement and inventory of fixtures

1. [1] Légifrance — Loi n°89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Commission départementale de conciliation
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Contrat de location et état des lieux