Requesting a rent receipt (quittance de loyer) in France: your right, refusals, letter template

Quick answer

The rent receipt (quittance de loyer) is a tenant's right in France: the landlord must transmit it, free of charge, to any tenant who asks (article 21 of law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989). It breaks down rent and charges paid and serves as evidence for the CAF, a future rental application, a naturalisation file or a loan. Ask in writing — an email version is valid with your express consent — and against a stubborn landlord, a formal notice by registered mail followed by the justice conciliator brings almost every landlord around.

1. What article 21 says

• The landlord (or agency) transmits a receipt free of charge to the tenant who requests it.
• The receipt breaks down the sums paid, distinguishing rent and charges.
• With the tenant's express consent, it may be sent electronically.
• For a partial payment, the landlord issues a partial receipt.
• No fees may be charged for issuing it.

The quittance is only owed when rent is fully paid: it is both your proof and the landlord's acknowledgment that nothing remains due for the period.

2. What the receipt is used for

• CAF / housing benefit: proving rent payments.
• Rental applications: the last three receipts are what most landlords ask for.
• Proof of address: préfecture, naturalisation, bank, school.
• Evidence in disputes: deposit recovery, charge reconciliations, court.

Keep your receipts at least 3 years after the lease ends (limitation period for tenancy claims).

3. How to ask

A single written request is enough; say whether you want a systematic monthly receipt and through which channel (agreed email or post). If the landlord stalls or refuses, switch to registered mail with proof of receipt: the date of receipt grounds the formal notice.

4. Request letter template

Subject: Request for a rent receipt — dwelling at [address]

Dear Sir or Madam,

As tenant of the above dwelling since [date], I would ask you to transmit to me, in accordance with article 21 of law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989, a receipt for the rent and charges of [month], which have been paid in full.

I would also like to receive a receipt every month, preferably by email to [email], to which I expressly consent.

I remind you that the receipt is issued free of charge, and thank you for your diligence.

Yours faithfully,

[Date — Signature]

Landlord gone quiet? MaisonMail can print and dispatch your request or your formal notice through an available registered service. Origin market, delivery times, tracking and the proof-of-receipt slip are confirmed before payment. See also: writing a formal notice.

5. If refused: the escalation

1. Simple reminder citing article 21.
2. Formal notice by registered mail: demand delivery within 8 days, citing article 21 and, for the record, article 1344 of the Civil Code.
3. Justice conciliator: free, often decisive.
4. Protection litigation judge: can order delivery under penalty payments and compensate proven harm (a blocked CAF file, for instance).

6. Common mistakes

• Paying for a receipt or accepting "receipt fees".
• Asking orally and keeping no trace.
• Confusing the quittance with a partial receipt when payment is incomplete.
• Discarding receipts when moving out — they still matter for 3 years.
• Letting a few euros of arrears block the receipt: settle, then insist.

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In short: the rent receipt is free and owed on simple request (article 21, law of 1989). Ask in writing, opt for monthly email delivery, and against a recalcitrant landlord send a formal notice by registered mail then involve the conciliator: delivery can be ordered under penalty.