How to rent an apartment to a foreigner?

Renting an apartment to a foreigner can sometimes seem complex because of the various rules and administrative procedures. However, with the right information and an effective organization, this can be done easily. This article guides you through the steps required to rent a home to a foreign tenant, while complying with legal requirements and ensuring the safety of the landlord.

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1. The legal bases for renting an apartment to a foreigner

Decree No. 2015-1437 and the obligations of landlord owners

Since Decree No. 2015-1437, landlords must respect certain specific rules when welcoming foreign tenants. This includes checks on the tenant's legal situation in France, such as the presentation of a valid residence permit.

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The documents to be provided: tax notice and supporting documents

One of the first documents that foreign tenants will have to present is their tax notice. This makes it possible to verify the candidate's fiscal regularity and to assess his ability to pay rent. In addition to the tax notice, the foreign tenant must submit a complete rental file, including:

• Proof of professional status (employment contract, employer certificate)
• Recent pay slips
• A valid residence permit, if applicable

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2. How to assess the solvency of the foreign tenant?

The role of the guarantor in France

A guarantor in France is often necessary to secure the rental, especially when it comes to foreign tenants. The guarantor undertakes to pay the rent in case of default by the tenant. This may be a person residing in France and with sufficient income, or an institution such as Action Logement. It is imperative that the guarantor provide a copy of his pay slips as well as his tax notice.

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The Unpaid Rent Guarantee (GLI): an additional option for the owner

The unpaid rent guarantee is a mechanism to cover the risks of non-payment of rent. It is highly recommended that you opt for this guarantee for additional security. In the event of non-payment, GLI will take care of the rents and charges due, thus offering peace of mind to landlord owners.

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3. The different types of housing available for foreign tenants

Furnished dwelling vs. empty home

The choice between furnished and empty housing depends on the needs of the foreign tenant and the requirements of the landlord. Furnished accommodations offer the advantage of being “ready to live”, which is particularly suitable for expatriates or international students who do not have furniture to install. Empty homes, on the other hand, require investments in furniture and may require a longer commitment on the part of the tenant.

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Renting furnished accommodation: a popular option

Furnished accommodations are often more sought after by foreign tenants, especially those who arrive in France for a specific period of time. This may include students, professionals on a mission, or expatriates. This type of housing is more flexible in terms of rental duration and therefore attracts more foreign tenants.

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4. The rental procedure

Security deposit and lease signature

Signing the rental lease is a crucial step, and a security deposit is often required. This is generally the equivalent of one month's rent for empty units, and may be increased for furnished units. This deposit is used as security in case of damage to the home or non-payment of rent. To find out more about what a common law civil lease is, click here.

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Rent payment: solutions for foreign tenants

Paying rent can pose challenges for some foreign renters, especially if their bank account is located abroad. However, there are solutions such as international bank transfers or specific payment services that facilitate these transactions. It is important to discuss these options with the tenant before signing the lease.

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5. The rights of foreign tenants and obligations of landlords

The law on foreign tenants and housing rights

Foreign tenants have the same rights as French tenants when it comes to housing. This includes the right to decent housing, protection against abusive evictions, and access to housing without discrimination. Landlords must respect these rights while ensuring that foreign renters meet legal requirements.

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Obligations of landlord owners

Landlords must ensure that they comply with the legislation in force, in particular with regard to the rental contract, the terms of payment of rent, as well as the regularity of the documents provided by the tenant. They must also ensure that the home is decent and that the lease meets furnished or empty rental standards.

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6. Solutions in case of difficulty with a foreign tenant

Setting up a guarantor in France

In the event of a payment problem, a guarantor in France can intervene to cover unpaid rents. This can be a particularly useful solution for landlords who have doubts about the solvency of the foreign tenant.

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Recourse to Action Logement for tenants in difficulty

If the tenant encounters financial difficulties, it may be possible to benefit from assistance from Action Logement. This organization can offer financing solutions for the security deposit or even for rent payment assistance in some cases.

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Conclusion: Renting an apartment to a foreigner, a secure procedure

Renting an apartment to a foreign tenant requires compliance with certain procedures and documents, but with careful preparation, this can be done safely. The role of the guarantor in France, the possibility of a guarantee for unpaid rent, as well as the choice of furnished accommodation can be considerable assets in securing the transaction.

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Landlords must stay informed of legal obligations and available solutions to facilitate renting to foreign tenants. In summary, with a complete file and clear payment management, renting an apartment to a foreigner is a completely feasible and secure process.

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If you need help to find an appartment in France, contact MeCaza !

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