The lease is a written document listing the rules surrounding your rental. It contains general information about the accommodation but also clauses that regulate the stay.
There exist different types of leases. For example, the lease is different depending on whether the accommodation is rented furnished or unfurnished. As an international student, it’s the bail meublé étudiant that concerns you: it’s a lease intended specifically for students. It applies to furnished apartments and has a duration of 9 months, whereas non-student lease for a furnished apartment runs through 12 months.
The lease agreement is a legal document that is mandatory for all rentals. It is what binds landlords and tenants to respect their obligations. The lease is surrounded by legal formalism, so it would be unwise to draft it yourself. You can use a standard lease model. All you have to do is add details of the concerned parties, the amount of rent and some particular clauses if needed - as long as they’re not unfair.
With whom and when do I sign the rental agreement?
The rental contract is signed by you and your renter. You can sign it remotely at the time of booking, before you enter the property with a scan, or directly on the day of the inventory of fixtures. You decide with your landlord when you want to sign it: if you need to provide a proof of residence to obtain a visa, you can of course sign it remotely, once your reservation is confirmed.
What are the mandatory contents?
Your lessor’s contact details. If it’s a real estate agency or a residence managing the property, their details should appear on the lease too.
The effective date: it corresponds to the date you start occupying the apartment. It is for you to define it with the landlord.
The duration: 9 months for a furnished student lease.
The amount of the security deposit: it’s not mandatory, but it has to be specified in the lease if your landlord plans on asking it.
Informations regarding the apartment:
the address
whether it’s a group housing or not
construction period
Number of main rooms
Modalities concerning heating and hot water production
surface of living space
whether the building is wired or coupled to optical fibre
Description of premises and equipment: you can be held accountable only for damage occurring in the spaces you have access to, that’s why it’s important that they’re thoroughly described in the lease. Common areas have to be listed too (bicycle storage, elevator, laundry... )
Prior renovation : if renovations were made since the last tenant left, your lessor has to indicate their nature and their cost in the lease. This serves to you lessor if he needs to justify the potential increase in rent, or to you if you need to demonstrate the lack of maintenance if the place is in bad condition.
terms of payment: the date on which you have to pay
the fact you can pay by any means you wish (check, transfer, cash up to 1000€) : the lessor doesn’t have the right to impose a method of payment on you - particularly not direct debit.
The last tenant’s rent amount and date of payment, except if he left the place more than 1 year and a half ago. This helps ensure that the lessor hasn’t unjustifiably increased the rent.