My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC) (service-public.fr) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in France. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement (anil.org). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

In France the deposit is capped at one month's rent excluding charges (two for furnished), returned within one month if the inspection matches, two otherwise — 10 % penalty per month late.

Call firstCommission départementale de conciliation (CDC)

Report toADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement

If that failsTribunal judiciaire — juge des contentieux de la protection

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)."

🪜 Step by step

Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
Ask ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
File with Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)The rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)Free landlord–tenant conciliation, deposits includedAfter the formal notice goes unanswered🔗 www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1216

ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logementFree legal advice on tenanciesBefore you write, for deductions and deadlines🔗 www.anil.org

Tribunal judiciaire — juge des contentieux de la protectionSimplified claim without a lawyerIf conciliation fails🔗 www.justice.fr

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement knows the exact rule for France.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?