Tenant Rights and Obligations in 2025
Renting a home in France is more accessible today, as online platforms, electronic signatures, and previous tenants’ reviews simplify the process. However, every tenant must be aware of their rights and obligations to avoid signing an unfair or non-compliant lease. Lodgis offers you a complete guide to tenant rights and obligations in 2025.
Privacy Rights
Tenant Rights
- Once the keys are handed over, the landlord cannot access the property without the tenant’s permission. They can only arrange visits for future tenants during pre-agreed hours. These visits must not exceed 2 hours per day and cannot take place on weekends or public holidays, unless the tenant agrees.
Tenant Obligations
- The tenant must allow access to the property for necessary maintenance work and visits under the conditions set by law. They must also return the property in the same condition as when they moved in, considering normal wear and tear.
Decoration and Modifications
Tenant Rights
- The tenant can make minor modifications to the property, such as painting the walls or rearranging the furniture, without being required to restore it to its original state before leaving.
Tenant Obligations
- The tenant cannot alter the structure of the property without the landlord’s approval (e.g., removing a wall, changing windows). They must also repair minor damages (such as drilled holes or furniture marks) before moving out.
Property Condition and Repairs
Tenant Rights
- The rented property must be decent, in good condition, and safe. The landlord is responsible for major repairs, such as fixing the roof or electrical installations. Since 2023, landlords can no longer increase rent for properties with an F or G energy rating to encourage energy renovations.
- If repairs take longer than 21 days, the tenant can request a rent reduction.
Tenant Obligations
- The tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs, such as replacing faucet seals or maintaining appliances. Additionally, they must take out home insurance to cover rental risks.
Lease Termination and Eviction
Tenant Rights
- The landlord cannot terminate the lease early, except in three cases:
- Sale of the property
- Reclaiming the property for personal use or for a relative
- Violation of the lease by the tenant (unpaid rent, disturbances, etc.)
- In these cases, the landlord must give a 6-month notice for an unfurnished rental and 3 months for a furnished rental.
- The tenant cannot be evicted between November and March due to the winter truce. If the landlord passes away, their successor must honor the lease until its expiration.
Tenant Obligations
- The tenant can terminate their lease with 1 month’s notice for a furnished rental and 3 months for an unfurnished rental. However, this period can be reduced to 1 month if the property is located in a high-demand area, in case of job loss, or for medical reasons.
Use of the Property and Subletting
Tenant Rights
- The tenant can use their home freely, host guests, and keep pets.
Tenant Obligations
- Subletting is prohibited without the landlord’s written permission. Additionally, the property cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Security Deposit
Tenant Rights
- The security deposit is capped at 1 month’s rent for an unfurnished rental and 2 months for a furnished rental. The landlord must return it within 60 days after the keys are handed back. The tenant is only responsible for damages they have actually caused.
Tenant Obligations
- Upon moving in, the tenant should create a detailed inventory with photos to avoid disputes when leaving. However, the landlord can deduct from the deposit for unpaid rent, taxes, and justified repairs.
Rent Payment
Tenant Rights
- The rent cannot be higher than the amount stated in the lease. Additionally, the tenant has the right to request a rent receipt free of charge for each payment made.
Tenant Obligations
- The tenant must pay rent and utility bills on time. In cases of prolonged non-payment, eviction proceedings may be initiated, especially following recent legislative changes that impose stricter penalties for long-term unpaid rent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French law provides strong protections for tenants while also imposing certain responsibilities. Your lease must not include unfair clauses and cannot prevent legal action against the landlord in case of a dispute.
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