Tenant Termination Letter by Registered Mail in France
In France, ending a lease as a tenant involves specific rules on notice periods and how to notify the landlord. Using a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt is the safest method to prove the sending date and compliance with deadlines. This guide explains how to calculate the notice period depending on your situation (unfurnished, furnished, job transfer or job loss), what clauses must appear in the letter, and how to send the mail to avoid disputes. You will also find practical steps to prepare the move-out inventory, recover the security deposit and contact the competent services if a dispute arises.
Calculating the notice and sending the registered letter
Lease termination is governed by law (Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989) and its decrees, which define notice periods and the obligations of the parties.[1]
Common notice periods
- Unfurnished rental: 3 months' notice, reduced to 1 month in some cases (transfer, job loss, social housing, high-demand areas).
- Furnished rental: 1 month notice for the tenant.
- Special cases: specific rules apply for compensation, eviction or contractual clauses.
To verify the exact period applicable to your case, consult the official page on notice periods.[2]
What the registered letter should include
- Date, tenant's and landlord's names and addresses.
- Reference to the rental contract and the start date.
- Clear statement of the intention to terminate the lease and the desired move-out date.
- Tenant's signature and a request to schedule the move-out inventory.
Send the letter by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to prove the sending date.
Sending and proof
When sending, keep a dated copy and the acknowledgement of receipt: these are your proofs in case of dispute.
- Print and sign the letter on paper, keep a dated copy.
- Send by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt via La Poste or an equivalent service.
- Keep the acknowledgement of receipt and any exchanges with the landlord as evidence.
Prepare the move-out inventory and keep dated photos to help secure the return of the security deposit.[3]
FAQ
- How long is my notice period?
- The notice period depends on the lease type: generally 3 months for an unfurnished rental and 1 month for a furnished rental, with possible reductions depending on circumstances.
- Do I need to send a registered letter to end the lease?
- Yes, a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt is strongly recommended to prove sending and the notice date.
- What if the landlord refuses to return the security deposit?
- Gather evidence and exchanges, attempt conciliation (Departmental Conciliation Commission) and then bring the case before the judicial court if necessary.
How to
- Calculate your notice period based on the lease type and your situation.
- Write the letter specifying the required information and the departure date.
- Send the letter by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt and keep the evidence.
- Arrange the move-out inventory, return the keys and request the security deposit refund.
Help and resources
- Ending a lease — Service-public.fr
- Letter templates — Service-public.fr
- Law n°89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Légifrance
