11. What can I Charge in Rent?

1. Rent Controls
2. Annual Increase
3. Improvement Works
4. Low Rent
5. Service Charges

11.4. Low Rent

In the event that the landlord and tenant agree to renew the tenancy at the expiry of the initial term then, ordinarily, the rent cannot be increased on renewal other than through the normal process set out in the previous sections.

However, if the landlord can demonstrate that the rent level is manifestly below the level of comparable rents for similar properties in the area then they are entitled to propose an increase to the tenant.

There are detailed procedures and timescales for this process and, in the event that agreement cannot be reached between the landlord and tenant, the matter can be referred to the Commission Départementale de Conciliation (CDC) based in the préfecture. The landlord cannot impose the increase on the tenant.

However, in the event that agreement cannot be reached at the CDC, then the matter can be referred to a court of law for decision.

Since January 2022, a landlord is not permitted to increase the rent if the thermal insulation value of the property is greater than 331 kWh per square metre per year, i.e. a F or G class dwelling. See previous sections of this chapter on this point.

Next: Service Charges

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