French Lease Agreement

Generate ALUR-compliant lease contracts for furnished and unfurnished rentals. Pre-filled, legally valid, instant PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a verbal lease valid in France?

No. Since the loi ALUR (2014), all residential leases must be written. A verbal agreement cannot be enforced and exposes both parties to legal risk. The written contract must follow the mandatory template defined by Décret n° 2015-587.

What happens if a mandatory clause is missing?

A missing mandatory clause does not void the entire lease, but the landlord may face penalties and the missing provision will be interpreted in favor of the tenant. For example, a missing rent revision clause means the landlord cannot increase the rent.

Can I modify the lease after signing?

Yes, through a formal amendment (avenant au bail) signed by both parties. Common amendments include rent revision, change of tenant (in co-tenancy), or modification of charges. The amendment must reference the original lease.

Who pays for the mandatory diagnostics?

The landlord pays for all mandatory diagnostics (DPE, ERNMT, lead, gas, electricity). These costs cannot be passed to the tenant. The diagnostics must be performed by certified professionals and attached to the lease.

What is the loi Boutin surface measurement?

The loi Boutin surface (surface habitable) is the floor area excluding walls, stairs, and areas with ceiling height below 1.80m. It must appear in the lease. If the actual surface is more than 5% less than stated, the tenant can request a rent reduction proportional to the difference.

Can a foreigner sign a French lease?

Yes. There is no nationality requirement for signing a lease in France. However, the landlord may request a guarantor (caution) or a Visale guarantee for tenants without French income history. The lease must be in French — bilingual versions are allowed but the French text prevails.