Tenants: File a departmental conciliation in France
If you are a tenant in France and face a dispute with your landlord - rent, repairs, inventory of fixtures or notice - the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) can be a useful step before going to court. This free procedure aims to find an amicable agreement with the help of independent members familiar with housing law. Using the CDC is often simple: gather your evidence, describe the dispute and request referral according to local rules. This guide explains step by step when to contact the CDC, which documents to attach, which deadlines to respect and what remedies are possible if conciliation fails in France.
When to contact the CDC?
The Departmental Conciliation Commission intervenes when the dispute concerns the lease, rent payment, carrying out repairs or the inventory of fixtures. It is generally referred to before recourse to the judicial court and can allow an amicable agreement at no cost.[1]
Respond to summonses and respect deadlines to preserve your rights.
Who can refer and documents to provide
- Referral form or a letter explaining the dispute and the request.
- Documents and evidence: lease, inventory of fixtures, photos, letters, rent receipts.
- Contact details of all parties and any representative.
The clearer and dated your documents, the more effective the conciliation.
How conciliation proceeds
After referral, the CDC summons the parties or proposes a meeting. A report is drawn up; if an agreement is reached, it is signed and is evidence. If conciliation fails, you retain the possibility to bring the case before the judicial court.
The procedure is free but respecting deadlines and preparing documents are essential. If in doubt about applicable texts, the law of July 6, 1989 governs landlord-tenant relations in France.[2]
FAQ
- Does the CDC have binding power?
- No, the CDC issues proposed agreements; only judicial decisions are enforceable.
- How long before a summons?
- Delays vary by department, expect several weeks.
- Do I need representation?
- You can represent yourself or ask for assistance from a third party (association, lawyer).
How to
- Gather the lease, the inventory of fixtures and all evidence.
- Complete or draft the referral explaining the facts clearly.
- Send the referral according to the departmental procedure (mail, form or drop-off).
- Keep acknowledgments of receipt and respect the indicated deadlines.
- If conciliation fails, prepare the file for the judicial court.
