Tenant Rights in France: Moving and Lease Exit
In France, a tenant preparing a move must know their rights and obligations before giving notice or seeking early lease termination. Knowing the applicable timeframes, which formalities to complete and how to document the property's condition helps protect the security deposit and avoid disputes. This guide explains, in plain language, notice periods depending on the situation, accepted reasons to leave early, landlord and tenant repair obligations, and remedies available via the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court. You will also find sample letters and official references to act with confidence.
Notice and lease termination
The notice period depends on the type of lease and your situation (tense zone, job transfer, job loss, etc.). For precise rules, consult official sources[1].
- Respect the period indicated in the contract or by law.
- Send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or notify the landlord in person.
- Keep all receipts and proofs of notification.
Gather your payment receipts and records of the property's condition.
Inventory and security deposit
The inventory at move-in and move-out allows you to compare the property's condition and justify any deductions from the security deposit[2].
- Carry out a joint inventory with the landlord.
- Photograph rooms and keep repair invoices.
- Request the return of the deposit within legal timeframes.
In most areas, the deposit must be returned within defined deadlines.
Early termination: reasons and evidence
Early termination is possible for legitimate reasons (job transfer, job loss, health reasons, works making the property uninhabitable). Keep evidence and note dates according to the law[3].
Respond quickly to letters to avoid losing your rights.
Procedures and remedies
Before starting legal proceedings, try conciliation with the departmental conciliation commission. If a dispute continues, the judicial court has jurisdiction for residential leases.
- Contact the departmental conciliation commission to propose an amicable agreement.
- Prepare a chronological file with evidence and correspondence.
- If needed, bring the case before the judicial court to obtain a decision.
FAQ
- What is the notice period for a tenant in France?
- The period varies depending on the situation: generally one month in tense zones and three months elsewhere, with exceptions for legitimate reasons.
- How do I recover my security deposit?
- After the move-out inventory, the landlord must return the deposit, minus justified repair costs, within a legal timeframe.
- Can I leave before the end of the lease?
- Yes, for certain legitimate reasons or if the landlord agrees to an amicable termination.
How to
- Check the notice period that applies to your situation.
- Write and send the notice letter by registered mail or deliver it against receipt.
- Arrange the move-out inventory and keep evidence (photos, invoices).
- If a dispute arises, contact the departmental conciliation commission then the judicial court if necessary.
Help and resources
- Service-public.fr — Housing procedures
- Service-public.fr — Inventories and templates
- Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
