19. Termination of Tenancy - French Rental Property

1. 19.1. Termination by the Landlord
   19.2. Termination by the Tenant

19.2. Termination by Tenant

The tenant may terminate the tenancy at any time and, for any reason, and the minimum notice period will depend on the type of tenancy:

The period of three months notice may be reduced to one month in the following circumstances:

• Serious illness of tenant of at least 60 years of age justifying change of accommodation;
• If the tenant (involuntarily) loses their job, obtains their first job, finds a new job following unemployment, or if they transfer their employment elsewhere (mutation professionnelle);
• In the event that the tenant is in receipt of social security supplementary benefits (Revenu de Solidarité Active - RSA)

The notice period cannot be reduced if the tenant either resigns, retires from employment, or merely changes their job.

Notice should be given by record delivery letter or by a huissier.

The rent continues to be payable during the period of the notice.

Once the tenant has given notice in the proper manner, then they cannot later change their mind - it is irreversable.

Needless to say there is nothing to stop landlord and tenant coming to their own agreement about the length of the notice period.

A vacating tenant is obliged to grant a landlord reasonable access to the property for visiting by prospective new tenants or purchasers.