Moving Out in 2025: Steps to Follow

Serena

October 20, 2022

Moving out of your rental: Learn all the essential steps to properly prepare for your departure, from sending your notice to organizing the final inspection and returning the keys.

In 2025, moving out of a rental property in France involves several important steps regulated by law. Whether you’re renting a furnished or unfurnished apartment, it’s essential to follow the proper procedures to legally end your lease and avoid any disputes.

This article explains all the formalities you need to complete before leaving your apartment: sending your notice, understanding the legal timeframe, organizing the exit inspection, returning the keys, and using our free letter template.

1. Send your notice letter

The first step when leaving a rental is to notify your landlord. This must be done via:

Registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt;
Bailiff service;
Hand delivery with signed acknowledgment.

Note: A simple email has no legal value unless the landlord formally confirms acceptance in writing.

2. Respect the notice period

The notice period starts upon receipt of your letter. The duration depends on the type of lease:

Unfurnished rental (outside tight zones): 3 months
Unfurnished rental in tight zones: 1 month
Furnished rental: 1 month

In certain situations (relocation, job loss, health issues, social housing, etc.), you may qualify for a reduced one-month notice. You’ll need to attach a supporting document to your letter.

3. Prepare for your move

During your notice period, you can:

Organize your move,
Clean the apartment,
Handle any minor repairs,
Schedule the final inspection (exit walkthrough).

Also remember to notify your utility providers, cancel internet, and set up mail forwarding.

4. Complete the exit walkthrough

The exit inspection is mandatory. It must be carried out with the landlord or their representative and compares the apartment’s current state to the move-in condition. If damages are found, part of the security deposit may be withheld.

5. Return the keys

The final step is handing back all keys (main door, mailbox, basement, garage, etc.) to the landlord. This officially ends the lease.

6. Get your security deposit back

The landlord has a maximum period to return your deposit:

1 month if no damages are found,
2 months if justified deductions apply.

Sample notice letter (free)

Here’s a template you can customize to notify your landlord:

Tenant’s full name
Rental property address

Landlord’s full name
Landlord’s address

[City], [Date]

Subject: Lease termination notice

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been the tenant of the property located at [property address] since [lease start date]. I hereby notify you of my intention to terminate the lease, in accordance with articles 12 and 15 of Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989.

The lease will end after the legally required notice period of [1 or 3 months], on [departure date including notice period].

I am available to arrange an appointment for the exit inspection.

Yours sincerely,

[Signature(s)]

📌 Be sure to keep a copy of the letter and the proof of delivery. This will protect you in the event of a dispute regarding the departure date or deposit refund.

Looking for a new place? Check out our furnished rental offers across France.

No permanent work contract? No worries — we explain how to rent with peace of mind in this article.