Leaving French Accomodation ?
Learn all about the notice, the "préavis de départ"
You’re moving out of your french accomodation ? Doesn’t matter if you’re returning to your home country or are moving out but staying in France, this article is for you !
🚪 WHAT IS the “PREAVIS DE DEPART” ?
Think of the notice period as the countdown before you say goodbye to your current french home.
👉🏻 It’s a formal way of informing your landlord or rental agency about your intention to vacate the accomodation you’re living in. Just like a courteous gesture, it allows both parties to plan ahead for the transition.
💡 WHY IS the préavis de départ IMPORTANT?
👉🏻 The notice period serves as a bridge between your current tenancy and your future plans. It ensures a smooth departure process by giving your landlord or rental agency ample time to find a new tenant or make necessary arrangements.
⚠️ If you don’t give your notice in advance, your landlord or renting agency can make you pay your rent eventhough you already left the accomodation ! Better to save money right ?
📅 HOW LONG IS THE préavis de départ?
👉🏻 In France, the notice period typically lasts for one to three months, depending on your rental agreement and the reason for leaving. Here’s a breakdown:
In certain situations, such as health reasons, or significant personal circumstances, you may be eligible for a reduced notice period of one month. However, you’ll need to provide valid documentation to support your request for a shorter notice period.
⚠️ If you are in a “zone tendue”, the notice period is shorter than 3 months and is usually of a month. The “zone tendue” are areas where the number of housing request is higher than the number of housing available. For example, Paris is considered as a “zone tendue”
This website will tell you if you are in a “zone tendue” or not : https://www.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/zones-tendues
📝 HOW TO GIVE NOTICE?
Giving notice is a formal process that requires clear communication. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
The most common method is to provide written notice to your landlord or rental agency.
We’ve made a tutorial on the subject, you should really check it out 😉 :
🤝 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once your notice period expires, it’s time to wrap things up:
- Final Inspection: Schedule a final inspection with your landlord to assess the condition of the property and address any outstanding issues.
- Return of Keys: Return all keys and access devices to the landlord or rental agency.
- Settlement of Obligations: Ensure that all financial obligations, such as rent payments and utility bills, are settled before your departure.
- Close your subscriptions : Make sure to close your electricity, gas, water and internet contract for the exact date you’re leaving.
- Inform public services : Remember to inform La Poste, the Social Security, and tax adminsitrations like the CAF
By understanding and adhering to the notice period requirements, you can navigate the process of leaving your accommodation avoiding problems and stress. 🏠
