Winter truce begins this Sunday

This Sunday marks the start of a five-month period known as the winter truce, during which tenants are protected from actual eviction but landlords can still begin or continue the legal process to remove them from their homes.

Eviction procedures continue during the truce

Although the winter truce suspends the physical removal of tenants from their homes, the legal process for eviction can continue. Landlords can submit cases to judges, and judges may issue eviction orders during this time.

Tenants must still pay rent

While the winter truce prevents landlords from evicting tenants, it does not exempt them from paying rent. Tenants are still required to pay their full rent, and any unpaid rent continues to accrue as a debt during the truce period.

Judicial officers play a key role

The National Chamber of Judicial Officers, previously known as bailiffs, is responsible for handling the legal procedures related to unpaid rent. They can intervene at various stages of the process and help explain the legal options available to both tenants and landlords.

Landlords cannot act on their own

Landlords are not allowed to take matters into their own hands, such as changing locks or entering a tenant’s property, even if rent is not paid. The eviction process is strictly regulated and must be handled by the judicial system.

Violating the truce is a crime

If a landlord forces a tenant to leave their home during the winter truce, it is considered a criminal offense. Such actions can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of 30,000 euros.