Housing & tenancy
Lease, rent, security deposit, eviction, repairs: the rights of tenants and landlords in France.
Ask a free question →French housing law governs the relationship between tenants and landlords: the tenancy agreement (*bail*), the amount and revision of rent, the *dépôt de garantie* (security deposit), repairs, notice and eviction. The Law of 6 July 1989 is the cornerstone for residential lettings.
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, renting a home follows strict rules designed to protect both sides. The bail (lease) sets the rent, the term and each party's obligations; the law caps rent increases (the IRL index), the security deposit and the deadline for its return.
When a dispute arises — unpaid rent, an unreturned deposit, a contested notice or a substandard home — several remedies exist before court: the commission départementale de conciliation, a formal notice (mise en demeure) or the local conciliateur de justice. Our articles walk you through each situation, step by step.
All articles: housing & tenancy
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Read →Frequently asked questions
How long does the landlord have to return my security deposit?
The landlord has one month after you hand back the keys if the exit inventory matches the entry one, and two months if there are differences. After that, the sum is increased by a penalty for each month of delay.
Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
No. The annual increase is capped by the *IRL* rent reference index and is only possible if a clause in the lease provides for it. In 'tense' zones, extra rent-control rules apply.
Can I be evicted without going before a judge?
No. An eviction without a court decision is illegal. The landlord must obtain a judgment and then involve a *commissaire de justice* (bailiff); the winter truce generally suspends evictions.
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