Housing documents for France

The problem

The standard French lease binds landlords for at least one year (furnished) to three years. For temporary stays, the ELAN Act created the bail mobilité: 1 to 10 months, non-renewable — but only for tenants in a mobility situation (studies, internship, professional assignment). And the biggest trap for landlords: demanding a security deposit is simply prohibited under a bail mobilité.

Good to know — French legal situation

• ✓Bail mobilité: furnished, 1–10 months, neither renewable nor extendable; the tenant's mobility ground must be substantiated at the start of the lease.
• ✓Security deposits are prohibited (art. 25-17 of Law no. 89-462) — a guarantor is allowed, e.g. the free Visale guarantee from Action Logement.
• ✓The tenant may terminate at any time with one month's notice; the landlord is bound by the fixed term.