Housing
Take out home insurance
assurance habitation (risques locatifs)
What is it
Insurance covering the damage your home could cause through fire, explosion or water. The risques locatifs cover is the legal minimum for a tenant.
Do I need it
Yes, if you rent your main home on a residential lease or a bail mobilité, whatever your nationality and however long you are staying. Seasonal lets and tied accommodation are outside the obligation.
When
Before you collect the keys — the landlord can ask for proof at handover.
Where · mixed
With any insurer, bank or broker in France. There is no government portal for this.
Documents
Proof of cover (attestation d'assurance) to give the landlord when the keys are handed over
The same attestation once a year afterwards, if the landlord asks for it
What happens next
- You hand the attestation to the landlord and keep the cover in place for the whole tenancy.
- If you do not insure, the landlord may end the lease where the contract allows it, or take out cover for you and add it to the rent with a surcharge of up to 10%.
- Risques locatifs cover only the rented home itself — damage to neighbours and your own belongings need separate cover.
Renewal
The tenant's insurance obligation →
Cover must run for the whole tenancy, and the landlord may ask for proof once a year.
SOURCE: SERVICE-PUBLIC.GOUV.FR
CHECKED 18.09.2026