Étranger Things: When the trêve hivernale ends and evictions resume — what it is, what to say, where to get help

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Every spring in France there’s a quiet, uncomfortable “click.” From 1 November to 31 March, the trêve hivernale pauses most tenant evictions. When it ends, bailiffs can act again on cases already decided in court. It’s a humane system with limits, and the restart can feel harsh—especially if you’re new here and still conjugating être. Let’s unpack what the truce is (and isn’t), how to talk about it with care, and where to find real help in and around Aix.

What the winter truce actually does

  • Dates: Typically 1 Nov → 31 Mar each year. During this time, a landlord cannot carry out a tenant’s physical eviction, even with a court order. The case can still move through the courts; the expulsion itself is postponed. (Service Public)

  • When it ends: Evictions ordered by a judge can be enforced again from early April (end of March). (Institut National de la Consommation)

  • Important exceptions: The truce does not protect certain situations, including squatters occupying a dwelling and cases with an arrêté de péril (danger order) or where re-housing has been offered and accepted. Reforms since 2023 also toughened rules against illegal occupation. (Service Public)

How to speak about it—kindly

We’re all learning; France is sensitive to housing precarity (la précarité). The goal is respect, not labels.

Gentle vocabulary

  • la trêve hivernale — winter eviction moratorium

  • une expulsion (locative) — (housing) eviction

  • un commandement de payer / quitter les lieux — formal notice to pay/leave

  • un huissier de justice — bailiff

  • un délai de grâce — judge-granted extra time to vacate/pay

  • un plan d’apurement — repayment plan

  • un relogement / une solution d’hébergement — rehousing / temporary accommodation

  • l’impayé de loyer — rent arrears

  • la CCAPEX — departmental commission coordinating eviction prevention

  • l’ADIL — free, neutral housing-law advice center

Respectful phrases (you → neighbor/concierge/landlord/association staff)

  • « Je suis désolé(e), la situation est difficile. Comment puis-je aider ? »

  • « Est-ce que vous avez déjà contacté l’ADIL / la CCAPEX ? Je peux chercher les infos. »

  • « Pourrions-nous discuter d’un plan d’apurement ? »

  • « Serait-il possible de demander un délai de grâce au juge ? »

  • « Je souhaite rester respectueux(se) de la procédure. Quels sont les prochains courriers/échéances ? »

If you’re the one affected (scripts to use at the counter or on the phone)

  • « Bonjour, je cherche des informations sur ma procédure d’expulsion. J’ai reçu [type de courrier] et je voudrais savoir mes options (délai, plan d’apurement, aides). »

  • « Puis-je être orienté(e) vers la CCAPEX / un travailleur social ? »

  • « J’aimerais vérifier si je peux demander un délai de grâce au juge. »

Concrete help in Aix & Bouches-du-Rhône (free/official)

  • ADIL 13 — neutral legal advice for tenants & owners; prevention at each step of eviction. Start here. (adil13.org)

  • CCAPEX (Bouches-du-Rhône) — coordinates eviction-prevention actions (social services, prefecture, CAF, etc.). (bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr)

  • FSL (Département 13) — Fonds de Solidarité Logement possible financial aid linked to housing/arrears. (Département des Bouches-du-Rhône)

  • Tribunal judiciaire d’Aix-en-Provence — where many procedures run; address & practical info. (If you must go in person.)

  • National info — clear, up-to-date rules & dates on the government portal. (Bookmark this.) (Service Public)

Step-by-step if an eviction could restart after the truce

  1. Open and keep every letter (recommandé, commandement, assignation). Note deadlines.

  2. Call ADIL 13 to map your status, options, and documents. (Ask about a repayment plan or délai de grâce.) (adil13.org)

  3. Contact social services (via CCAPEX/FSL) to check emergency aid and mediation. (bouches-du-rhone.gouv.fr)

  4. If you can pay part: propose a written plan d’apurement (dates + amounts). Keep proof.

  5. If you can’t pay now: ask the judge for a délai de grâce (often up to 2 years max depending on the case). ADIL can explain the procedure. (adil13.org)

  6. Court date? Go. Bring contracts, receipts, bank statements, and any proof of efforts. The judge weighs good faith and solutions.

  7. Safety first. If there’s an arrêté de péril (unsafe building), the rules differ—ask ADIL immediately. (Service Public)

We’ve curated the most practical, neutral sources above so you’re not doom-scrolling at 2 a.m.

Culture corner (because… Étranger Things)

The truce began in the 1950s to keep people from being forced out in winter; it’s widely supported, often debated, and occasionally revised by Parliament. Associations and the press follow the numbers closely each spring. (Le Monde.fr)
My own French has improved one legal noun at a time—huissier was not in my A1 textbook—and yes, I once said « Je veux un délai de graisse » (a “grease delay”). Friends, the judge did not grant olive oil.

Mini practice by level

  • A1: « J’ai reçu une lettre de l’huissier. Je cherche de l’aide. »

  • A2: « Je voudrais des informations sur un plan d’apurement et un délai de grâce. »

  • B1: « Pour éviter l’expulsion, je propose un échéancier réaliste avec justificatifs. »

  • B2: « Pourriez-vous m’orienter vers la CCAPEX et m’expliquer la procédure de sursis ? »

  • Advanced: Summarize your case in 60 seconds in French (facts, efforts made, concrete proposal). Ask for feedback.

Your turn 👇

Have you navigated the end of the trêve hivernale—personally, professionally, or as a supportive neighbor? Share respectful tips, phrases that helped, and local resources in Aix (French or English welcome). If you spot an update to the rules, drop the link so we can keep this page accurate for everyone.

Location: France

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