Housing benefit paid to the landlord in France
When French housing benefit (APL) is paid to the landlord, it comes off the rent and the tenant pays the rest. The code, the quittance, arrears to report, an example.
Kivlo · Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read
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When the tenant's housing benefit is paid directly to you (tiers payant), you deduct it from the month's rent and charges, the tenant pays the rest, and you tell them about the deduction. This is article L. 832-2 of the construction and housing code for the APL, and article L. 842-1 for the other housing allowances (ALF, ALS). The month is settled for the quittance once benefit and tenant's share together cover the rent and charges.
What the code says
Both articles set the same counting rules: the benefit paid to the landlord is deducted from the rent and charges by whoever receives it; the tenant is informed of the deduction; any benefit above the rent and recoverable charges is paid back to the tenant. For ALF and ALS, article L. 842-1 adds that payment to the landlord is made on request, and only if the home meets the code's decency requirements.
Counting it
| Item | Amount (example) |
|---|---|
| Rent excluding charges | €520 |
| Charges on account | €60 |
| Total due for the month | €580 |
| Benefit paid by the CAF to the landlord | − €210 |
| Left for the tenant to pay | €370 |
If the tenant pays their €370, the month is settled: give a quittance for €580, showing €210 paid by the benefit and €370 by the tenant. If they pay only €200, give a receipt (reçu), with €170 still owed. The free rent receipt template produces either. For the difference between the two, see partial rent payment: quittance or receipt?.
The benefit arrives on its own schedule
The CAF or MSA pays on its own calendar, often after the rent due date. Note on each quittance which month the benefit relates to, so your accounts stay readable.
Arrears to report
If the tenant does not pay their share, you must report the arrears to the CAF or MSA once they reach a threshold set by the construction and housing code. It changes on 1 January 2027:
| Period | Benefit paid to… | Arrears established once the debt reaches… | In the example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Until 31 December 2026 | you, the landlord | 2 × the month's rent and charges, net of the benefit (art. R. 824-1) | 2 × (580 − 210) = €740 |
| Until 31 December 2026 | the tenant | 2 × the month's rent and charges (art. R. 824-1) | 2 × 580 = €1,160 |
| From 1 January 2027 | either | 3 months after a first missed payment, or over €450 (art. R. 824-2, 2027 version) | once over €450 |
Service-Public recommends a registered letter, and failing to report exposes the landlord to a fine. From 2027 the report is due within two months of the arrears being established (article R. 824-3). The details are in unpaid rent: what to do.
A home that is not decent
For ALF and ALS, payment to the landlord requires a decent home. When the benefit is withheld because the home is not decent, the tenant pays only their share, and article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989 says that part payment is not a default. For energy decency, the DPE rental-ban check gives your home's calendar.
Common mistakes
- Asking the tenant for the full rent while you receive the benefit.
- Not paying back the surplus when the benefit exceeds rent and charges.
- Missing the reporting threshold, calculated on rent minus benefit when you receive it.
- Issuing a quittance when the tenant's share is unpaid.
Have your own case checked
Housing benefit rules change on 1 January 2027. For your case, ask the CAF or MSA, or the local ADIL, which gives landlords free advice.
Sources
- Article L. 832-2 of the construction and housing code, APL (Légifrance, in French)
- Article L. 842-1 of the construction and housing code, housing allowances (Légifrance, in French)
- Article 7 of law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 (Légifrance, in French)
- Article 21 of the 1989 law, quittance and receipt (Légifrance, in French)
- Unpaid rent and eviction, Service-Public (in French)
Last checked on 9 November 2026
Benefit and tenant's share, each in its place
Kivlo records every payment of the month, even partial, and tells the tenant the balance still owed. The quittance is a one-click PDF once the month is settled, and from the Pro plan it goes out automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord receive the tenant's housing benefit?
Yes. The construction and housing code provides for the APL to be paid to the landlord. For the other housing allowances (ALF, ALS), payment to the landlord is made on request, for a decent home.
How is benefit paid to the landlord counted?
It is deducted from the rent and charges. The tenant pays only the rest, and the landlord informs the tenant of the deduction.
When must arrears be reported to the CAF?
Until 31 December 2026, when the debt reaches twice the month's rent and charges, net of the benefit if it is paid to you. From 1 January 2027, three months after a first missed payment or once the debt exceeds €450.
What if the benefit exceeds the rent?
The landlord pays the tenant the part of the benefit above the rent and recoverable charges.
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Kivlo
Kivlo editorial team
Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read