Section actions
Duration: Preparation of the mail — 30 min ; time limit for reply from the lessor — 8 to 30 days
Cost: Recommended with AR — about 5 €; free conciliation; lawyer if needed
On-site only
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- Tenants whose lessor does not do the work, return the deposit or breach the lease
- Those preparing for a dispute with the lessor
- Tenants facing unlawful retention of the security deposit
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- All previous correspondence with the lessor (mails, e-mails, SMS)
- Evidence of failure: photos of breakdown, copy of lease, state of play
- A precise list of your requests with rationale and time frame
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Make your requests clearly: what the lessor must do (work, return of the deposit, regularization), within which time (often 8 or 15 days), with the legal consequences of a refusal.
- 2Send the notice by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt — only mode with full legal force. The e-mail and SMS can be used as a complement, not as a replacement.
- 3Keep a copy of the mail, the envelope with stamp and the green heel of the AR. It is on the date of signature of the AR that generally run time and interest.
- 4Give the lessor a reasonable time (often 8 to 30 days depending on the subject). For an urgent winter heating repair, count a few days.
- 5In case of silence or refusal, the following steps: departmental conciliation commission (free of charge, mandatory for most housing disputes), then court (judgment of protection disputes).
- 6For the deposit: notice is required if the lessor has not returned the security deposit in the 1 to 2 months after the exit state. In case of refusal, the sum may be claimed with interest (10 %/year) before the judge.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Send the request by e-mail or oral — it is not a formal notice and does not run the deadlines.
- Do not keep the envelope and the AR — difficult then to prove the date of receipt.
- Referring directly to the court without formal notice — the judge may judge the dispute prematurely.
- Skip conciliation for disputes where it is mandatory — the court rejects the summons.
- Formulating vaguely ("please repair") — accuracy enhances demand.
Official sources
Section actions
Important remark
There are many delays and nuances in housing disputes. This information is indicative — for your situation, consult ADIL (free of charge) or a lawyer.
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