Housing
Building your rental dossier
dossier de location
What is it
The pack of documents you hand to a landlord, usually backed by a guarantor (une caution) or by Visale, the free guarantee run by Action Logement.
Do I need it
You need the documents for any private rental. A guarantor is not compulsory, but landlords commonly ask for one, and Visale can stand in for a family guarantor.
When
Before viewings. A Visale visa is requested online in advance and shown with your file.
Where · mixed
You assemble the file yourself. Visale is applied for online with Action Logement.
Documents
Your identity document, proof of address, proof of activity and proof of income
The same categories of document for your guarantor, if you have one
Your Visale visa certificate, if you are using the Action Logement guarantee
Cost
Visale is free for the tenant.
What happens next
The Visale guarantee (Action Logement) →
- If you use Visale, you receive a visa certificate you can show to landlords.
- The landlord then has to validate the guarantee with Action Logement — only the signed contrat de cautionnement confirms it.
- A private guarantor signs an acte de cautionnement, which sets out the rent and what they are committing to.
SOURCE: SERVICE-PUBLIC.GOUV.FR
CHECKED 18.09.2026