The letting agent charged me a fee — is that allowed, and who checks?
In most EU countries the agent who works for the landlord cannot charge the tenant a finder's fee, registration fee or "administration costs"; where fees are still allowed they are capped and must be disclosed before you sign. A fee you should not have paid can be reclaimed, usually for years back. SignalConso — DGCCRF (0809 540 550) takes complaints about agents and can fine them; ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement (anil.org) helps you write the reclaim; Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC) (service-public.fr) decides if the agent refuses.
🗣️ What to say
"On [date] I paid you [amount] as [fee name] for the tenancy of [address]. Under [rule] an agent acting for the landlord may not charge the tenant this fee. I ask for repayment within 14 days to [account]. Otherwise I will refer the matter to SignalConso — DGCCRF."
🪜 Step by step
- Identify who the agent worked forIf the landlord instructed the agent, the fee is the landlord's cost. The listing and the contract usually say.
- Ask for the fee back in writingCite the rule, set a deadline. Many agents repay on the first letter.
- Report to SignalConso — DGCCRFRepeated fees are a practice; authorities fine agents and order refunds.
- Dispute body: Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC)Small amounts, no lawyer, and the decision binds a licensed agent.
- Deposit and rent-in-advance capsWhile you are at it: deposits and advance rent are capped too, and "key money" is illegal everywhere.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
The agent says the fee was for "viewing" or "checks"
Renaming the fee does not change who has to pay it. Any charge to the tenant for finding or arranging the tenancy falls under the ban.
I signed that I agreed to pay it
A clause that contradicts a mandatory law is void. You can still reclaim.
How far back can I claim?
Usually the general limitation period — three to five years in most countries. ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement knows the exact rule for France.
📎 Sources
- SignalConso — DGCCRF →
- ADIL — Agence départementale d'information sur le logement →
- Commission départementale de conciliation (CDC) →
- Tribunal judiciaire — juge des contentieux de la protection →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “letting agent fee illegal France”
- “reclaim agency fee tenant”
- “rental agency charges tenant fee allowed”
- “report letting agent France”
- “key money illegal”
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