Renting A Property In France - All You Need To Know

Renting a property in France before you buy is a wise decision. However, rental procedures and rules in France will probably differ from those in your home country.  It’s best to make yourself aware of the finer details before signing a French rental contract.

Searching for a rental in France

The best way to find good rental accommodation in France is to view properties yourself rather than relying on landlords’ and property agents’ descriptions and photos. As in the UK, these can often paint properties in a more positive light than they might deserve.

In France, more people rent a property than own one because tenants have legal rights and protection, which makes renting an easier option for many people.

It also means that in popular locations, demand for rental accommodation is high. This is reflected both in rental prices and the quality of stock. Good properties get snapped up really quickly, and if you don’t view a property personally, you might end up with less desirable accommodation.

This makes house-hunting an important part of the renting process in France.

Here is a table listing the most popular online property portals for renting properties in different regions of France:

Furnished or unfurnished?

As a tenant, you will be offered a longer contract if you rent unfurnished accommodation.

When renting unfurnished accommodation, your contract will usually be for a minimum of 3 years, while it’s just a year for furnished properties.

The French government actually provides legislation on what can be considered furnished accommodation. Property is furnished if it has bedding, stove, kitchen utensils and equipment (stove, oven, microwaves, etc.), fridge, freezer, storage shelves, tables and seats, lighting, etc.

If you decide to rent a furnished apartment, make sure to check and ensure that everything is there and in proper working condition. It is the responsibility of the landlord to replace broken devices or pieces of furniture that are no longer in good working condition.

If your goal is to rent for a couple of years or longer, then it’s worth renting unfurnished, so you have a minimum 3-year-long secure tenancy.

If, however, you need to rent while you are looking for a suitable property to buy, it’s best to opt for furnished accommodation. Then you are not bound by your contract and can continually renew it with your landlord for as long as you need.

Bear in mind that although you are not bound by a long-term contract, neither is your landlord. This means they are free not to renew the contract if they so wish.

Working with a property agent

Properties available for rent are usually listed in local newspapers and in estate agents’ windows, and online. They also have signs outside stating à louer. It’s quite possible to look for a property to rent on your own.

However, a property agent (un agent immobilier) can be a great help, especially If you’re looking for a house in a rural area. Estate agents will usually have a list of available properties and can help you shortlist the ones worthy of your attention.

For detailed information about due diligence when working with property agents in France, please read our Complete Guide To Buying A Property In France.

If you are going to ask an agent to help you find a property to rent, remember that agents usually charge a fee equal to one month’s rent.

Rental contracts in France

Your rental contract should state both your and your landlord’s rights and obligations and should be signed before you move in.

You will most likely be requested to take out home insurance which covers fire, water damage, explosions, or robbery. If you don’t or fail to renew your home insurance during your tenancy, your landlord can cancel the contract.

Make sure your contract clearly states who pays utility bills, city taxes, and maintenance. It’s common practice to have tenants responsible for minor repairs or routine maintenance such as gardens, basic interior damages, and sometimes even plumbing.

Before you sign anything, make sure you know the condition of the property you are going to rent. Check your contract for the clause stating in what condition the property must be returned. It should state you must return it as you found it.

Your tenancy contract cannot dictate whether you are allowed to have pets in the property, so check your contract for this clause and ask for it to be removed if you have a pet.

How to secure a guarantor for your rental contract

It’s a common thing in France for a landlord to ask their future tenants to secure a guarantor (garant).

A guarantor is a French resident who promises to pay the rent in case you cannot.

It can be really difficult to find somebody who can guarantee your rent payments if you don’t have friends there.

If this is the case, first try to talk to your French bank representatives, as some banks might act as your guarantor if you have an account with them.

If your bank cannot help, let your agent know about your predicament. They should be able to find you a landlord who doesn't ask for a guarantor.

Rental deposits in France

When you sign a contract, you will be asked to pay a deposit.

For an unfurnished apartment, the deposit is usually a month’s rent. For furnished accommodations, the deposit cannot be more than two months' rent.

Rental deposits and their use are regulated in France.

A landlord, by law, cannot withhold your deposit due to ‘fair wear and tear.’ You, as a tenant, cannot use your deposit as your last month’s rent payment. You should pay your rent up to the end of the tenancy.

If your landlord attempts to withhold any amount of your deposit, they should justify it properly with receipts or other documentation showing why the money is being withheld.

When your contract is finished, your landlord must return your deposit within the next two months, less any arrears or damages.

There’s not much you can really do to make sure your deposit will be safely returned at the end of your tenancy.

The best way is to build a good relationship with your landlord.

You can also have the property inspected by an independent third party at the start and end of the tenancy. Such inspections can be done by a ‘huissier’ or an estate agent. The charge is usually shared between you and your landlord.

Documents needed when applying to rent

Just like in many other countries, in France, it’s an estate agent who deals with your application. To apply, you need to submit the following:

• Your identity document – passport, driver’s license, other ID
• A document confirming your status – a work contract, employer’s reference, student card, business statement, or the documents confirming you are a retiree;
• Documents confirming you have financial support - the last three pay slips, pension or other benefit, previous tax return;
• Details of a guarantor and their pay slip;
• References of the previous rental.

Rental contract termination

The landlord cannot terminate your rental contract before the agreed expiry date. If, at the end of the contract, your landlord doesn't want to renew it, they must issue a notice of termination citing reasons why the contract cannot be renewed.

Your contract will automatically renew unless you or your landlord give proper notice.

Your landlord’s notice of termination must be correctly drafted and sent out at the right time according to the law in France. Otherwise, the contract will be renewed.

The minimum notice period (le congé) depends on whether it is furnished or unfurnished. If you rent a furnished property, your landlord must give you notice at least three months before your contract expires. For unfurnished properties, the minimum notice period is six months.

There are only three reasons that can allow your landlord not to renew the contract with you: if there was a breach of tenancy conditions, if the landlord is going to live in the property themselves, or if the property is put up for sale.

If the property is put up for sale, you, as a sitting tenant, have a right of first refusal.

You might find useful:

• Living In France Guide – everything you need to know to plan your move and settle down in France
• The Best Places to Live in France – a detailed overview of France’s most popular locations for expats.
• Healthcare In France For Expats
• Opening A Bank Account In France As An Expat
• Buying A Property In France
• Understanding International Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Helpful external links:

• Find more information on renting in France on the European Consumer Center France site.