Tenant rights: notice to sell in France
When your landlord notifies you with a notice to sell, you have specific rights as a tenant in France. This notice means the owner intends to end the lease to sell the property, but they must respect reasons, formalities and deadlines set by the 1989 law and its reforms.[1] This article explains the main steps clearly: how to read the notice letter, legal deadlines, the possibility to buy, possible remedies and administrative procedures. It also indicates when to contact the departmental conciliation commission or bring the matter before the judicial court if needed. The explanations are practical and aimed at tenants who are not legal specialists.
What does a notice to sell mean?
A notice to sell is a written notification by which the landlord informs the tenant of the lease termination because they wish to sell the property. The notice must clearly state the intention to sell and, in some cases, offer the tenant the possibility to buy. The notice must follow mandatory formalities and deadlines that vary depending on the type of lease (unfurnished or furnished) and the mailing date.
Initial steps to take
- Read the letter carefully: check the sale mention, the price indicated and the property description.
- Observe deadlines: note the reception date and calculate the applicable notice periods according to your lease.
- Ask the landlord for clarifications in writing if information is missing or seems incorrect.
- Consider the possibility to buy: if the landlord offers the tenant to purchase, get informed quickly.
If you wish to buy, request all conditions in writing and keep proof of your requests. If the notice is irregular (missing formalities, incorrect deadlines), you can contest the notice before the judicial court.
Useful documents and evidence
Gather the following items to protect yourself: lease agreement, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts, correspondence with the owner and photos if necessary. These proofs are useful in case of mediation or court proceedings.
Remedies and mediation
Before seizing the judicial court, the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) can help seek an amicable agreement. Recourse to the court remains possible if conciliation fails or if the notice contains substantial irregularities.
FAQ
- What is a notice to sell?
- A notice to sell is a landlord's notification indicating the end of the lease because they intend to sell the property.
- Can the tenant buy the property?
- In some cases the tenant may be offered the chance to buy; get informed quickly and request the terms in writing.
- What deadlines must be respected?
- Deadlines vary depending on the type of lease and the notice date; check your contract and calculate the notice period.
- What if the notice is irregular?
- You can contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission and, if necessary, bring the matter before the judicial court to contest the notice.
How to
- Read the notice letter and note the reception date.
- Gather all documents: lease, inventory of fixtures, rent receipts.
- Contact the landlord to ask for clarifications and keep written records.
- Contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission if an amicable agreement is possible.
- Bring the matter before the judicial court as a last resort if needed.
