Understand

Three Essential Rights as a Tenant

Rental Deposit

A sum of money paid by the tenant to the landlord at the start of the rental period, used to cover potential damage or unpaid rent. Since 2024, it is limited to two months’ rent.

Electrical Installation

All the cables, sockets, switches, and devices that supply a home with electricity, which must comply with safety standards.

Bathroom facilities

The hygiene-related facilities in a home, such as toilets, sinks, showers, or bathtubs.

Home intrusions

Entries or visits to a home without the tenant’s permission, which constitute a violation of privacy.

Habitability

The set of minimum conditions that make a home healthy and habitable: ventilation, heating, electricity, absence of excessive humidity, etc.

Registered letter

A letter sent with acknowledgment of receipt, serving as proof that the recipient has received the mail. This process costs around €10.

Rental agreement (or lease contract)

An oral or written and signed document between the landlord and the tenant for an unfurnished or furnished dwelling. It is mandatory. The rental agreement defines the relationship between landlord and tenant: description of the property, duration of the contract, amount of rent excluding charges, amount of utilities

How to file a complaint about unhealthy housing

Habitability

The set of minimum conditions that make a home healthy and habitable: ventilation, heating, electricity, absence of excessive humidity, etc.

Registered letter

A letter sent with acknowledgment of receipt, serving as proof that the recipient has received the mail. This process costs around €10.

Rental agreement (or lease contract)

An oral or written and signed document between the landlord and the tenant for an unfurnished or furnished dwelling. It is mandatory. The rental agreement defines the relationship between landlord and tenant: description of the property, duration of the contract, amount of rent excluding charges, amount of utilities

Resolving a conflict with your landlord

Mediation

It’s a way to reach an agreement. The mediator will try to find a compromise or a negotiation between the different people involved in the conflict.

Registered letter

A letter sent with acknowledgment of receipt, serving as proof that the recipient has received the mail. This process costs around €10.

Justice of the Peace

A person working in a court who helps resolve minor disputes, especially between tenants and landlords.

Enforceable measure

A measure that restricts and imposes an obligation.

Request

Name given to a complaint filed with a Judge of peace