Winter truce in France: what is suspended for the landlord
From 1 November to 31 March, no tenant eviction can be carried out, even one ordered by a final judgment. The procedure goes on: the landlord can go to court and obtain a decision, which is enforced after the truce.
1 November
Start of the truce
Every year, set by law.
31 March
End of the truce
Eviction becomes possible again on 1 April, unless the judge has granted more time.
1 month to 1 year
Time granted by the judge
When rehousing cannot take place in normal conditions. Range in force since 29 July 2023.
What exactly is suspended?§
The enforcement of the eviction. An eviction that has not taken place by 1 November waits until 31 March, whether the judgment is final or the time already granted by the judge has run out.
A tenant whose lease has been terminated can therefore stay in the home until 31 March.
Meanwhile, what remains possible?§
Going to court. Proceedings can be started or continued during the truce; the eviction order is enforced after 31 March.
Nor does the truce cancel unpaid rent: the debt is still owed.
Judgment in September: when is eviction possible?§
15 Sept. 2026
The judge orders the eviction.
21 Sept. 2026
A commissaire de justice (bailiff) serves the order to leave the premises. The legal two-month period runs until 21 November.
1 Nov. 2026
The truce begins; the two-month period has not yet run out.
21 Nov. 2026
End of the two-month period, in the middle of the truce: no eviction.
1 April 2027
First possible date for the eviction.
This two-month period does not apply when the judge ordering the eviction finds that the tenant acted in bad faith. Conversely, the judge can grant extra time, from one month to one year, which pushes the date back. Article L412-4
A partial payment during the truce?
The template issues a receipt when the amount paid is below the month’s rent and charges. Free, no sign-up.
When the truce does not apply§
Rehousing secured
If rehousing is secured in adequate conditions that keep the family together and meet its needs.Home occupied unlawfully
No truce for a person who entered someone else’s home by deception, threats, assault or force. For another place, the judge can shorten or remove the truce.Student housing
In housing intended for students, when the occupant no longer meets the allocation conditions. Article L412-7Building under a safety order
Listed among the exceptions by the Ministry for Housing. Ministry
General information on French law, up to date as of 28 October 2026. This is not legal advice: for a specific situation, a lawyer, a commissaire de justice (bailiff) or the ADIL of your département (free consultation) can answer you.
Legal texts and sources (7)
- Code des procédures civiles d’exécution, article L412‑6 (sursis du 1er novembre au 31 mars, relogement, occupation illicite)
- Code des procédures civiles d’exécution, article L412‑1 (délai de deux mois après le commandement de quitter les lieux)
- Code des procédures civiles d’exécution, articles L412‑3 et L412‑4 (délais accordés par le juge, d’un mois à un an)
- Code des procédures civiles d’exécution, article L412‑7 (logements d’étudiants)
- Code des procédures civiles d’exécution, article L411‑1 (décision de justice et commandement de libérer les locaux)
- Ministère chargé du Logement, trêve hivernale 2026 : dates, procédure, dettes, exceptions (mise à jour du 16 octobre 2026)
- Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989, article 21 (reçu en cas de paiement partiel)