Are all charges recoverable?

No. Only those listed by decree are. Major repairs, management fees or the owner’s insurance remain the landlord’s cost.

Is the charge reconciliation mandatory?

Yes, where provisions are paid: at least one annual reconciliation, with a breakdown provided to the tenant. Failing that, the tenant can request it.

Can charges from several years back be recovered?

Within a three-year limit. Charges not claimed beyond that period are time-barred and permanently lost.

Recoverable charges: list, provisions and annual reconciliation

Updated on July 6, 2026 · 6 min read

The landlord can recover from the tenant certain charges paid upfront: these are the recoverable rental charges. Their list is set by decree, they are most often paid via monthly provisions, and an annual reconciliation is mandatory.

Which charges are recoverable?

The list of recoverable charges is set exhaustively by decree. It notably includes:

water and energy consumption in the common areas;
routine upkeep of the common areas and green spaces;
the household waste collection tax (TEOM, taxe d’enlèvement des ordures ménagères);
costs relating to the lift and to collective heating.

Provisions or flat rate

For an unfurnished let, charges are generally paid via monthly provisions reconciled once a year. For a furnished let, the landlord may opt for a flat-rate charge, non-reconcilable, set consistently with actual charges.

The annual reconciliation

At least once a year, the landlord compares the provisions paid against the actual charges and adjusts: the tenant tops up if they paid too little, or is refunded otherwise. A breakdown by type of charge must be provided to them.

Supporting documents and time bar

The landlord keeps supporting documents available to the tenant for six months after sending the statement. Overlooked charges can be claimed within a three-year time bar; beyond that, they are lost. Up-to-date bookkeeping avoids late catch-ups and disputes.

Frequently asked questions

Are all charges recoverable?: No. Only those listed by decree are. Major repairs, management fees or the owner’s insurance remain the landlord’s cost.
Is the charge reconciliation mandatory?: Yes, where provisions are paid: at least one annual reconciliation, with a breakdown provided to the tenant. Failing that, the tenant can request it.
Can charges from several years back be recovered?: Within a three-year limit. Charges not claimed beyond that period are time-barred and permanently lost.