Tenant Rights for DALO in France

Being a tenant in France and preparing a DALO file can seem complex. This guide clearly explains tenant rights, the documents to collect, applicable deadlines, appeal routes and available housing assistance. It is intended for people facing housing or rehousing difficulties who want to assert their enforceable right to housing. The information below is based on official texts and shows practical steps to prepare a strong file, contact the competent authorities and, if necessary, bring the case to the commission or the court. Follow these tips to better protect your rights and speed up the processing of your application in France.

What does DALO cover and who is concerned?

DALO allows a person in need to have their right to suitable housing recognized. Those concerned include tenants, occupants or people without housing who are in priority difficulty. After receipt of the file, the authorities assess the social and health situation and may propose rehousing or direct the person to social assistance.^[1]

Steps to prepare the DALO file

Before sending your file, check the list of supporting documents and gather proof that demonstrates your situation (identity, income, rent receipts, medical documents if needed).

1. Gather identity documents, tax notices, rent receipts and certificates of family or medical situation.
2. Complete the application form provided by the prefecture or the competent departmental commission.
3. Respect the indicated deadlines and send your file by registered mail or submit it according to local rules.
4. If the decision is unfavorable, prepare elements for an appeal to the court or a new referral.

Deadlines, appeals and decision

File processing follows administrative deadlines. The commission must check the urgency and seriousness of the situation; if it acknowledges your right, the prefecture must propose a rehousing solution. In case of refusal or lack of proposal, you can bring a judicial appeal before the tribunal judiciaire. Consider contacting the departmental conciliation commission if a dispute can be resolved amicably.^[2]

FAQ

Who can submit a DALO file?

Any person in precarious situation, who has lost housing or faces serious accommodation difficulties can initiate the DALO procedure.

What documents should be provided?

Identity document, proof of income, rent receipts, medical or social certificates depending on the situation.

What to do in case of refusal?

Challenge the decision via an administrative appeal or bring the case before the tribunal judiciaire, possibly after departmental conciliation.

How-To

1. Identify the competent prefecture or commission and download the official form.
2. Gather and organize supporting documents in chronological order.
3. Send the file by registered mail or submit it according to local procedures and keep proof of sending.
4. If the response is negative, prepare an appeal file with evidence and file it with the tribunal judiciaire or refer to the conciliation commission.

Key takeaways

• Collecting complete evidence improves your chances of recognition.
• Meeting administrative deadlines is essential to preserve your rights.
• Contact social services or the prefecture for help when preparing the file.

Help and Support / Resources

• DALO: procedures and information on Service-public.fr
• Official texts and the 1989 law on Legifrance
• Practical information and appeals - justice.fr

1. [1] Service-public.fr: DALO
2. [2] Legifrance: official texts