Housing
Reading a French lease before you sign
bail d'habitation
What is it
The bail is the written rental contract. It has to follow a model set by regulation and carry a fixed set of annexes, so there are concrete things you can check against the official page before signing.
Do I need it
Yes, if you are renting a home. For advice on your own contract, your local ADIL gives free, impartial housing information.
When
Before you sign, and again at the handover of keys when the état des lieux is drawn up.
Where · in person
Signed with the landlord or the agency. ADIL offices are listed on anil.org.
Documents
The lease itself, matching the regulatory model, with the rent, charges, deposit and surface habitable stated
The dossier de diagnostic technique, including the energy performance diagnosis (DPE)
The notice d'information for tenants
The état des lieux d'entrée, annexed to the contract
What happens next
- The état des lieux is done together with the landlord or agent when the keys are handed over, and you can ask for it to be corrected within 10 days — or during the first month of the heating season for the heating.
- The deposit is capped at 1 month's rent excluding charges for an unfurnished let and 2 months for a furnished one.
- It must be returned within 1 month of handing back the keys if the exit état des lieux matches the entry one, and within 2 months if it does not.
Renewal
Find your local ADIL for free housing advice →
An unfurnished lease runs for at least 3 years from an individual landlord, or 6 years where the landlord is a company.
SOURCE: SERVICE-PUBLIC.GOUV.FR
CHECKED 18.09.2026