19. Termination of the Tenancy of a French Rental Property

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

19.2. Termination by Tenant of French Rental Property

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 two months in the following circumstances:

• Serious illness of tenant of at least 60 years of age justifying change of accommodation;
• If the tenant loses their job, obtains their first job or if they are transferred elsewhere by their employer;
• If the tenant is in receipt of social security supplementary benefits (RMI).

The notice period cannot be reduced if the tenant either resigns or 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.