Tenant Rights: Repairs and Rent in France

In France, a tenant facing improvement works carried out by the landlord has specific rights and clear courses of action. This guide explains, in accessible language, when a landlord can access the dwelling, what measures of rent reduction are possible and how to document a loss of enjoyment or disturbance. If you are a tenant and notice nuisances, service cuts or reduced comfort, know which steps to take, which deadlines to respect (deadline) and which bodies to contact to obtain repair or mediation.

Landlord works: distinction and access

The landlord may carry out maintenance or improvement works, but the impact on occupation and rent can vary. Works essential for safety or health are prioritized; improvement works can sometimes justify punctual access but must not deprive the tenant of the use of the dwelling for an extended period.

Access to the dwelling and notice

• Respect the notification deadlines (deadline) provided by law and your contract before any intervention.
• The landlord must notify before any visit and access must be strictly justified (entry).
• Request an agenda or list of interventions and keep proof (document).

If the landlord does not properly announce the intervention or enters without your consent, you can refuse access except in an emergency endangering occupants or the building. If in doubt about the legality of an entry, note the facts, take photos and request written confirmation.

When to request a rent reduction

A reduction or partial suspension of the rent may be justified when works cause a significant decrease in the use of the dwelling (prolonged noise, lack of heating, water cut, health risk). One must distinguish tenant-responsible repairs and works at the landlord's expense.

• Report heating or plumbing issues in writing and request a rapid intervention (repair).
• Calculate a request for rent reduction proportional to the loss of use (rent).
• Send a formal notice or registered letter keeping proof (file).

Before initiating proceedings, try conciliation with the landlord or the departmental conciliation commission; if this fails, the judicial court remains competent to decide.

Procedures and useful deadlines

Respect legal deadlines to act: formal notice, response time, and referral to the court. The landlord's failure to react after a formal notice may justify referring the matter to the judicial court.

• Send a formal notice and wait a reasonable period (deadline) before taking further action.
• Contact the departmental conciliation commission or a local mediation service (call) to attempt an amicable agreement.
• If necessary, refer the matter to the judicial court to obtain a binding decision (court).

How to build a solid file

A good file includes: registered letters, dated photos, estimates or invoices, inventories of fixtures and witness statements. The inventory of fixtures at move-in and move-out is a key element to prove the extent of damage or loss of enjoyment.^[2]

FAQ

Can I refuse landlord access for non-urgent works?

Yes, except in an emergency endangering safety or health; always ask for written justification and propose an appointment.

How do I request a rent reduction?

Send a formal notice to the landlord, describe the nuisance, attach evidence and request a proportional reduction or compensation.

Who should I contact if the situation is not resolved?

Contact the departmental conciliation commission or refer the matter to the judicial court if conciliation fails.^[1]

How-To

1. Write a registered letter detailing the facts and your requests (file).
2. Gather evidence: photos, inventory, letters and witness statements (document).
3. Contact the departmental conciliation commission to attempt mediation (call).
4. Refer the matter to the judicial court if mediation fails (court).

Key Takeaways

• Tenants keep rights to enjoyment and protection against serious nuisances (safety).
• Always document issues with dated proofs to support claims (document).
• Act within legal deadlines and respond promptly to notices (deadline).

Help and Support

• [1] Service-public.fr — Housing: rights and obligations
• [2] Legifrance.gouv.fr — Official texts (Civil Code, 1989 law)

1. [1] Legifrance — Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Model lease and inventory of fixtures