Can I give notice to a tenant during the lease?

No. The landlord can only give notice at the end of the lease, respecting the notice period (6 months unfurnished, 3 months furnished). During the lease, only a judicial termination (for example over unpaid rent) is possible.

What is the tenant’s right of pre-emption?

In a notice to sell, the tenant has priority to buy the home at the price and conditions stated in the notice. They have a set period to accept this offer before the property is offered to third parties.

Is a notice without a valid ground valid?

No. A notice served without one of the three grounds set by law, or with an insufficient notice period, is void: the lease continues normally.

Giving notice to a tenant: grounds, notice period and procedure

Updated on July 6, 2026 · 7 min read

Unlike the tenant, the landlord can only give notice at the end of the lease and for a specific ground. The procedure is strictly regulated: an invalid ground or a miscalculated notice period makes the notice void. Here are the rules to follow.

Three grounds, and only three

The landlord can only give notice on one of these grounds, which must be stated in the notice:

repossession of the home to live in it (the landlord or a relative designated by law);
sale of the home, which grants the tenant a right of pre-emption;
a legitimate and serious ground (for example repeated unpaid rent or neighbourhood disturbances).

The notice period to respect

The notice must be given respecting a notice period before the end of the lease: six months for an unfurnished let, three months for a furnished one. The notice period starts when the tenant receives the notice, hence the importance of the form.

The form of the notice

The notice is served by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, by act of a commissaire de justice (judicial officer / bailiff), or by hand-delivery against a receipt or signed acknowledgement. For a notice to sell, it counts as an offer of sale and must state the price and conditions.

Protection of elderly tenants

A notice for repossession or sale cannot be served on an elderly tenant (above a certain age and subject to modest means) without an offer of suitable rehousing, unless the landlord themselves meets age or income conditions. Check this point before any notification.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give notice to a tenant during the lease?: No. The landlord can only give notice at the end of the lease, respecting the notice period (6 months unfurnished, 3 months furnished). During the lease, only a judicial termination (for example over unpaid rent) is possible.
What is the tenant’s right of pre-emption?: In a notice to sell, the tenant has priority to buy the home at the price and conditions stated in the notice. They have a set period to accept this offer before the property is offered to third parties.
Is a notice without a valid ground valid?: No. A notice served without one of the three grounds set by law, or with an insufficient notice period, is void: the lease continues normally.