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05/02/2026
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France

What's the deadline for paying rent?

The payment of rent is mandatory and strictly regulated by law, so as not to harm the tenant or the landlord. Therefore, respecting the deadlines for paying charges must be taken seriously under penalty of sanctions.

The deadline for paying rent

The deadline to pay rent is normally fixed in the contract and approved by both parties. In general, the chosen day corresponds to the first of the month and is called rent in advance or legal advance rent. You therefore pay for the coming 30 days. The second mode is rent in arrears. The owner accepts a late payment of the rent which will be made at the end of the month, covering the previous 30 days. However, any date of the month can be adopted through an amicable agreement between the two signatories of the contract.

This third option is the one that most suits employees who receive their income around the fifth day of the month. In return, the tenant can request a rent receipt which they will receive for free by mail or electronic messaging. This is an insurance or a guarantee that attests to the transfer made by the person renting the property, whether it is empty or furnished.

If a person is responsible for numerous delays regarding the deadline to pay rent, the landlord can decide to take certain measures. The tolerance of a rent payment outside the agreed deadlines belongs to the owner. They can decide to turn a blind eye, refuse to renew the lease for a legitimate and serious reason, or even seize a bailiff to launch an eviction procedure. Regarding the non-renewal of the contract, the tenant must have failed several times to pay their charges at the agreed times. It should be known that the termination of the lease is not applicable in the case where the occupant is not at fault. For example, if the rent is partially paid and the missing part is the one that housing aid provides, then the owner is not entitled to evict the tenant.

Can we change the date of payment of our rent?

Technically, it is not possible to change the deadline to pay rent. The agreement of the landlord and the tenant is required to modify the due date. A delay of 10 days is generally tolerated. Many owners turn a blind eye, but the law allows them not to renew the contract if the deadlines are exceeded on numerous occasions. As for the rent, it is chosen freely by the landlord, and the tenant accepts by signing the contract. It is not possible to modify it during the current year. It may be modifiable the following year if a clause specifying this is present in the lease. If the housing is located in a high-demand area, the monthly rental charges are capped by the State.

Can a cash rent payment be refused?

There are many payment methods: direct debit, TIP, checks, or cash. If the last mode is chosen, the amount must not exceed 1,000 euros. Finally, the tenant can refuse the landlord's proposal; the method must be approved by both parties. Furthermore, the owner has no right to have the rent subtracted directly from the tenant's salary. Currently, many people go through Colonies to find an affordable apartment or flatshare.

Until when must the rent be paid?

The tenant is obliged to pay their rent constantly and regularly. In case of a dispute over work, the court can block payments. In the event that the tenant decides to move, they are bound to pay until the move-out inspection is done. This is the last step before returning the keys. In the event of damage, the conflict can be resolved amicably or by a complaint.

Deadline for payment of unpaid rent and procedure

Rental debt applies even if the tenant has deserted the premises. Nevertheless, the judge can decide that this regulation is abusive if the landlord has not followed up on the tenant's wishes to regularize. Finally, be aware that the time limit for claiming a rental debt is 3 years.

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