Viewings during the notice period: the rules
Showing a French rental during the tenant's notice: no public holidays, two hours at most on working days, never without consent. The clause, the planning, an example.
Kivlo · Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read
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Yes, you can show the property during the tenant's notice, to re-let or sell it, with the tenant's agreement or under a lease clause, within a legal limit. A clause forcing the tenant to allow viewings on public holidays, or for more than two hours on working days, is deemed unwritten (article 4 a of the law of 6 July 1989). You may never enter without their consent.
What the law says
Article 4 of the 1989 law lists the clauses forbidden in a residential lease. Its point a targets the clause that obliges the tenant, with a view to selling or re-letting, to allow viewings on public holidays or for more than two hours on working days. Such a clause is « réputée non écrite »: it has no effect at all. A clause that stays within those limits is valid, which is how a French lease can provide for viewings during the notice.
Working days and public holidays
As we read it, jours ouvrables run Monday to Saturday, public holidays excepted. Sunday is not one: a Sunday viewing only happens if the tenant agrees.
No clause: the tenant's agreement
Without a clause, nothing obliges the tenant to host viewings. Until the notice ends the home is theirs to enjoy exclusively, and Service-Public lists « entering the home without the tenant's agreement » among the landlord's prohibitions, spare key or not. In practice most tenants accept a few well-organised slots.
Organising viewings
- Offer slots in writing as soon as the notice arrives: days, hours, length.
- Group applicants in one slot rather than a string of single visits.
- Confirm each viewing in advance, and cancel what no longer applies.
- Be there, or send someone; never hand the key to an applicant.
- Respect privacy: no photos of the tenant's belongings in a listing without consent.
Example
A tenant in a high-demand area (zone tendue) gives notice, received on 8 September 2026: one month, ending 8 October 2026. The lease has a compliant viewing clause.
| Slot | Length | Compliant? |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 6 pm – 7:30 pm | 1h30 | Yes: working day, under two hours |
| Saturday 10 am – 12 pm | 2h | Yes, as we read it: a working day |
| Sunday 11 am – 12 pm | 1h | Only with the tenant's agreement |
| Monday 5 October, 3 hours | 3h | No: more than two hours |
The free notice period calculator gives the exact end date for other dates.
Common mistakes
- Entering while the tenant is out with a spare key.
- Imposing Sunday or public-holiday viewings, or half-days.
- Warning the evening before: no notice period is set by law, but tenants faced with a fait accompli refuse more readily.
- Mixing viewings with works: works follow other rules (prior written notice, no access imposed on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays without express consent).
See also the notice period guide, can a tenant skip the last month's rent? and the security deposit guide. If the tenant leaves without a move-out inventory, see tenant left without a move-out inventory.
Have your own case checked
If viewings turn into a lasting dispute, or your lease has no clause, the local ADIL gives free housing advice; a French lawyer can take over.
Sources
- Article 4 of law no. 89-462 of 6 July 1989, forbidden clauses (Légifrance, in French)
- Article 7 of the 1989 law, access for works (Légifrance, in French)
- Use of the home and works by the tenant, Service-Public (in French)
- Notice given by the tenant, Service-Public (in French)
Last checked on 9 November 2026
Viewings that organise themselves
From the Pro plan, Kivlo generates your viewing slots, offers them to applicants, sends e-mail and text reminders and the calendar invite. It also reminds you of the notice deadline before each lease term.
Frequently asked questions
Must the tenant allow viewings during the notice period?
If the lease has a viewing clause, yes, within its limits. Otherwise viewings depend on the tenant's agreement. Either way, the landlord may not enter without the tenant's consent.
How many hours of viewings can be required?
Two hours at most per working day. A clause requiring viewings on public holidays, or more than two hours on working days, is deemed unwritten.
Can viewings take place on Saturdays?
As we read it, yes. French working days (jours ouvrables) include Saturday, and the law only excludes public holidays. Sunday is not a working day.
Can the landlord keep a spare key for viewings?
They may have one, but not use it without the tenant's consent. The tenant has exclusive use of the home, and Service-Public lists entering it without their agreement among the landlord's prohibitions.
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Kivlo
Kivlo editorial team
Updated November 9, 2026 · Sources checked November 9, 2026 · 2 min read