Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant: a comprehensive guide

Are you about to sign a lease or having trouble with your housing? Put an end to uncertainty. In three minutes, you will learn about your rights (decent housing, peaceful enjoyment, repairs at the landlord’s expense) and your responsibilities (paying rent, insuring the property, maintaining it without breaking the bank). We explain what to check before signing, what to do if repairs are delayed, and how to respond in the event of a dispute—from registered letters to the conciliation commission. The goal: to live peacefully, avoid pitfalls, and get your security deposit back without stress. Ready to take back control? 🏠✨

1. The lease: the basis of your rights and responsibilities

It all starts with the lease agreement. This document sets out the term of the lease, the amount of rent, the rental charges, the use of the premises, and the signature that binds the tenant and the landlord. It is accompanied by an information notice based on the ALUR law. This explains, in plain language, your rights, your obligations, and the procedure to follow in case of difficulty. Read it as a reference guide, section by section, to learn the essentials without jargon.

The landlord must provide you with accommodation in good condition, in accordance with standards of decency, safety, and health. The living space must be indicated. Rent control may apply depending on the municipality. For unfurnished rentals, the lease term is often three years; for furnished rentals, it is one year (or nine months for a student lease). The security deposit, the number of keys provided, the clause on access to the property for repairs, and the provision of receipts must be specified. The building regulations, if any, supplement the terms of use of the premises.

Documents to remember: the move-in and move-out inventory, the energy performance diagnosis, the “risks and pollution” diagnoses, the tenant’s home insurance certificate, and the technical diagnosis file. Keep every document, every rent receipt, and every registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. During the lease, these are your proofs in case of questions, reports, or disputes.

2. Your rights as a tenant: what the landlord owes you ✅

Your primary right is the peaceful enjoyment of the property. The landlord must respect your exclusive occupation, without infringing on your privacy or making unannounced visits. They must also ensure that the property complies with standards of decency: ventilation, electricity, water, absence of obvious risks, minimum surface area, presence of essential equipment. They must carry out major repairs and urgent work affecting the structure, health, or safety. If the work takes longer than is reasonable, you can request a rent reduction, a written agreement on the schedule, or, as a last resort, refer the matter to the court.

If you encounter any issues, the process remains straightforward and gradual. You write an initial request to the landlord or real estate agency. If you do not receive a response, you send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. If the dispute persists, you can contact ADIL (an organization that supports and informs citizens on all housing-related issues) free of charge for a neutral response, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission, and then, if necessary, take legal action. Associations can assist you. You can obtain compliance, repairs, or even damages in accordance with the Civil Code. In the event of non-payment by the landlord (for example, failure to provide a receipt), you can take the matter to court to enforce the contract.

3. Your duties: obligations towards the property and the landlord 📩

1. Your main obligation is to pay the rent and charges on the due date. If you have difficulty paying, you must act quickly. You must notify the landlord, propose a payment plan, seek financial assistance (Action Logement, social assistance), and request an extension from the judge if necessary. The goal is to avoid unpaid rent and legal proceedings. The solution often involves conciliation.

You must maintain the property on a daily basis. You are responsible for routine repairs: replacing light bulbs, seals, small plumbing parts, loose screws, handles, and regular maintenance of equipment. You must keep the property in good condition, report any abnormal damage, and carry out routine maintenance. In the event of water damage, you must inform your landlord immediately and report it to your insurance company. You are required to take out home insurance covering rental risks (fire, explosion, water damage) and provide the landlord with a certificate of coverage.

You must respect your neighbors, the rules of the building, and the peaceful use of the premises. You must not alter the property without the landlord’s written consent. Renovating is fine, but altering is not. The landlord may arrange visits at the end of the contract as planned, respecting your personal time and agreeing on the times.

At the end of the lease, you must send your notice of termination by registered letter or hand-delivered against receipt, respecting the notice period. The notice period varies depending on whether the rental is unfurnished, furnished, furnished for students, or according to a specific framework clause. When the keys are handed over, the exit inventory compares the condition of the accommodation. The security deposit is returned, less any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. In the event of force majeure or a change in circumstances, discuss and put it in writing; dialogue is still important.

Dealing with special situations and disputes ⚖️

Subletting, shared accommodation, commercial leases: there are differences. Subletting requires the written consent of the landlord; without consent, it is prohibited. Commercial leases follow different rules and do not apply to rental accommodation. In the event of a disagreement over the execution of work, access to the property, or the amount of rent (framework, planned revision), you can initiate a graduated procedure: formal notice, conciliation, departmental conciliation commission, then court. The objective is not conflict, but compliance and protection for everyone, both the tenant and the landlord.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about renting 🧩

Mandatory equipment for a furnished rental: bedding, hotplates, oven or microwave, refrigerator, minimum crockery, storage space, light fixtures, curtains or shutters, table and chairs, and everything necessary for normal use of the property.

Right of first refusal: in some cases, the tenant of an unfurnished rental may have priority if the property is sold at the end of the lease with notice to sell. The procedure involves an offer, a price, and a cooling-off period.

Rent receipt: this is issued free of charge upon request. It specifies the amount of rent, charges, and payment made.

Persistent dispute: you can take legal action. Before doing so, gather your evidence, put together a file, and attempt conciliation. ADIL and local associations can assist you free of charge.

Note: this guide is not legal advice. For a specific case, contact ADIL, an association, a lawyer, or the relevant public service. We are here to help you make each step simpler and fairer.