THE 7 KEY POINTS FOR RENTING FURNISHED ACCOMODATION

If you're wondering how to interpret a lease, to what it commits you, and how it protects your rights, consult our short guide.

• the use of the premises is clearly defined:

  I.e, they are:

  • either a temporary furnished residence constituting the tenant's primary residence.
  • or a temporary residence used for carrying out an occupation or job.
  • or a temporary furnished residence not constituting the tenant's principal residence.

  In all three cases, the notice period is of one month for the tenant, and three months for the landlord.

• the furnished lease duration is limited to one year, renewable once

  • Start and end dates are stated in the contract. The tenant commits to leaving the premises on the last day of the lease, except if a new letting contract has been entered upon, in agreement with the landlord or his/her representative.

• Rent amount, payment, and review

  • The monthly rent includes a lump sum for expenses (in the case of a maximum one-year contract).
  • The rent (expenses included) is payable in advance every month at an agreed date.
  • The rent is reviewed automatically each year on the anniversary of the lease according to the IRL (rent reference index), published each quarter by the INSEE (French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies).

• personal bills

  (Internet, telephone, electricity, gas)

  • Telephone, electricity, gas, and Internet bills are paid for by the tenant. They are established in the tenant's name, who pays for them directly.

• the deposit:

  • it is equal to the rental period indicated, and is increased each time the rent is increased in order to remain equal to the period;
  • it is cashed and does not produce any interest;
  • it is reimbursed within 60 days from the end of the rental agreement, following a schedule of condition and the handing back of keys.

• property insurance (contrat d'assurance habitation)

  (for cover against fire, water, theft, etc.)

  • insurance is mandatory. Before entering the premises, the tenant must give the landlord or representative a copy of his or her insurance covering rental risks.

• council tax (taxe d'habitation)

  (local taxes)

  French law states that if a tenant is on the premises on January 1st, he or she must pay the taxe d'habitation, payable annually during the last quarter of the year.

  However, for short-term leases, (less than nine months), the tenant and the landlord can agree on a pro rata rate, proportional to the number of months actually spent in the apartment.