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Know before you sign

French rental rules, in plain English.

The system is opaque by default. Here's the part that actually affects you, written for someone reading English as a second language, and kept current as the rules change.

Guarantees

Visale vs GarantMe: what's the difference?

  • Visale is the free, state-backed guarantee from Action Logement. From January 2026 it focuses on the first three years of the lease, within rent ceilings (~€1,940 / €1,575 / €1,365 by zone). You get a visa; the guarantee only activates once the landlord subscribes on visale.fr.
  • GarantMe is a private paid guarantee: free to the landlord, costing the tenant from ~4.5% of annual rent. It vets your file in hours and is more flexible on non-CDI and foreign income.
  • Both are recognised guarantees. The trick isn't choosing one; it's finding landlords who accept it. That's what Cajou indexes.

Leases & notice

Furnished or unfurnished changes everything

  • Notice to leave: 1 month furnished, 3 months unfurnished. The 3 months drops to 1 in a zone tendue, on job loss, a new job, or RSA.
  • Minimum term: 1 year furnished (9 months for a student lease) versus 3 years unfurnished when the landlord is an individual.
  • Furnished long-term leases are a normal, legitimate primary-residence option, not just a tourist thing.

Money

Where your deposit really goes

  • France has no government deposit-protection scheme. The dépôt de garantie is paid directly to the landlord, who holds it and is personally liable to return it.
  • Caps: 1 month's rent unfurnished, up to 2 months furnished (excluding charges). Returned within 1 month of handing back the keys, or 2 months if there are justified, itemised deductions.
  • So you're trusting the landlord directly. That's exactly why identity verification and a clear record matter.

Myth-busting

Assumptions that cost newcomers money

  • “I'll pay a year upfront.” A landlord can't demand rent far in advance; pay more than two months ahead and they legally can't take a deposit at all. It rarely helps, and can look like a red flag.
  • “More deposit = stronger application.” No. The cap is the cap.
  • “A home-country guarantor or bank statement will do.” Landlords want a French-recognised guarantee: Visale, GarantMe, or a French guarantor.

Cajou's guidance is general information, not legal advice. Rules summarised here are current as of 2026 and maintained as they change; always check your specific lease and the official sources before you sign.