What must a French rent receipt contain?
The quittance is the receipt proving that the tenant has paid their rent and charges for a given period. The law doesn't set a template, but article 21 of the law of 6 July 1989 requires it to show the rent and the charges separately. In practice, a complete receipt states:
- the landlord's name and address;
- the tenant name(s) and the address of the let property;
- the period covered (for example 1 to 31 October);
- the breakdown: rent excluding charges, advance or fixed charges, and the total;
- the payment date and the date the receipt was issued;
- the landlord's signature (or name).
The generator above also writes the amount in words, in French, and states that the receipt cancels any partial receipts for the same period.
Quittance, reçu, avis d'échéance: what's the difference?
| Document | When? | What it proves |
|---|---|---|
| Avis d'échéance (rent due notice) | Before payment | A request for payment: it isn't a receipt. |
| Reçu (partial receipt) | After a partial payment | That part of the rent was paid. |
| Quittance (rent receipt) | After full payment | That the rent and charges for the period were paid in full. |
To go further: the full guide to French rent receipts and the rent due notice explained.
Example
On 3 October, Marie pays her €650 rent and an €80 advance for charges. Her landlord gives her a receipt for €730 for the period 1 to 31 October, showing the €650 rent and the €80 charges separately. Had Marie paid only €400, he would have given her a receipt for €400, stating that €330 is still due.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rent receipt compulsory in France?
The landlord must give it free of charge to any tenant who asks for it (article 21 of French law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989). They don't have to send it unprompted, but many landlords do every month: tenants need it for housing benefit (CAF), a new rental application or a mortgage file.
Why is the receipt in French?
It's a document for your tenant, under French law, for a home in France. Banks, the CAF and other landlords expect the usual French wording. The form on this page is in English; the PDF it produces uses the standard French wording.
Can I charge for the receipt?
No. The receipt is free, and no fee linked to the rent due notice or the receipt can be charged to the tenant.
Can I send the receipt by email?
Yes. With your tenant's express consent, French law allows the receipt to be sent electronically. Keep a record of their consent (an email is enough).
What if the tenant only paid part of the rent?
You don't issue a quittance, but a receipt stating the amount paid. The quittance is only given once the rent and charges for the period are paid in full. The generator automatically produces a partial receipt if you enter an amount paid lower than the total.
How long should rent receipts be kept?
Tenants are advised to keep their receipts for at least 3 years, the limitation period for rent in France (article 7-1 of the law of 6 July 1989). As a landlord, keep a copy with your records of rental income.
Updated 8 October 2026. This tool gives general information about French tenancy law and doesn't replace personal legal advice.