Apartment Rental: Ending Your Lease in 2025
The termination of a lease, like its signing, is a process regulated by law. A tenant, just like the landlord, must comply with certain obligations to properly end an apartment rental contract.
What is the procedure for terminating my lease?
A tenant can end their lease at any time. However, they must notify the landlord in writing and respect a notice period.
The notification must be sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt, by bailiff’s notice, or by hand-delivered letter with a signed receipt. The notice period starts from the date the landlord receives the letter.
How long is the notice period?
The standard notice period is three months for an unfurnished rental.
However, it is reduced to one month in certain cases:
- The property is rented furnished;
- The property is located in a high-demand area (zone tendue);
- The tenant is leaving due to a first job, job transfer, job loss, or new employment following a job loss;
- The tenant has health issues requiring a housing change (a medical certificate must be provided);
- The tenant receives RSA (Active Solidarity Income) or AAH (Disabled Adult Allowance);
- The property is eligible for housing assistance (APL).
Throughout the notice period, the tenant remains responsible for paying rent and charges, unless a new tenant is found earlier.
What are the options in case of a dispute?
If a dispute arises between the tenant and the landlord, the Departmental Conciliation Commission (CDC) can intervene for free to try to find an amicable solution.
If conciliation fails, the tenant can take the case to the judicial court, which will verify whether the lease termination meets legal requirements.
In the case of fraudulent termination, the landlord may face a fine of up to €6,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
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