Unique Registration Number: Tenants in France

As a tenant in France, understanding the "unique registration number" helps you know how your dwelling is recorded, what information appears and what consequences it may have for the lease, rent payments and administrative procedures. This guide explains in simple terms the differences between this identifier, the lease number and social housing numbers, and indicates when to ask the landlord or public services for clarification. You will also find guidance on your rights regarding repairs, habitability and remedies in case of dispute, with references to applicable texts to help you. ^[1]

What does the unique registration number cover?

The unique registration number is an identifier used by some local authorities or organizations to reference a dwelling. It is not systematically the lease number: it is mainly used for administrative management (benefits, surveys, housing tracking) and may appear in local databases. It cannot change your contractual obligations nor replace the mandatory mentions of the rental agreement defined by the law of 6 July 1989. ^[1]

Impacts for the tenant

Depending on how the number is used, consequences for the tenant may vary. Always check the documents provided and request written clarification if an administration or the landlord cites this number to change conditions.

• Used for administrative identification of the dwelling but does not replace the rental contract.
• Does not set the rent amount: rent and its adjustments follow the contract and applicable regulations.
• Repair and maintenance obligations towards the landlord remain those provided by law and the lease.
• The presence of a number does not authorize entries or inspections without legal notice or agreement.

What to do in case of questions or disputes?

If you notice a reference error or that this number is used to restrict your rights, start by contacting your landlord in writing asking for correction or explanation. If the response is insufficient, you can bring the matter to the departmental conciliation commission before any legal action, or prepare a file for the judicial court if necessary. ^[1]

• Contact the landlord by registered letter or email and keep proof.
• Gather useful documents: contract, inventory, letters, photos.
• Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission if the situation cannot be resolved amicably.

FAQ

What is the unique registration number?

An administrative identifier used to reference a dwelling by an organization or authority; it is not always linked to the lease.

Can this number change my rental obligations?

No, your obligations are defined by the rental agreement and the law of 6 July 1989; a number cannot replace them.

What to do if the indicated number is incorrect?

Contact the landlord in writing, keep evidence and, if necessary, bring the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court.

How to

1. Gather all documents (contract, inventory, letters and photographic evidence).
2. Contact the landlord to request correction and explanation, preferably in writing.
3. Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission if the exchange does not succeed.
4. Prepare a file for the judicial court if conciliation fails (evidence and copies of steps taken).

Help and resources

• Model rental agreement — Service-public.fr
• Inventory of fixtures — Service-public.fr
• Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance

1. [1] Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
2. [2] Model rental agreement — Service-public.fr