France: renting property
The full process in 7 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~20 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
🔑 Owner
1
Check the DPE allows letting at all
⏱ immediate · 💰 free
2
Check the rent cap if the city has one
⏱ 1 day · 💰 free
3
Sign the lease with the diagnostics attached
⏱ 1 day · 💰 free
4
Declare the rental income
⏱ annual · 💰 micro-foncier or réel
👤 Tenant
1
Check the contract and the inventory
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 free
2
Pay the deposit
⏱ 1 day · 💰 1 month, 2 if furnished
3
Put the utilities in your name
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 varies
Taxes & fees
deposit
1 month, 2 if furnished
rent cap
Paris, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Montpellier…
rental income tax
micro-foncier 30% allowance, or réel
⚠️ What costs you money if you miss it
A G-rated home cannot be let on a new lease since 1 Jan 2025. F follows on 1 Jan 2028, E on 1 Jan 2034. Existing leases continue, but once the tenant leaves you cannot re-let. Check the DPE before you buy to let.
An F or G home cannot have its rent raised at all — since August 2022, anywhere in France, capped city or not. The only way out is real energy renovation.
In capped cities the rent has a legal ceiling. Paris, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and others. Charge above the reference rent and the tenant can demand the difference back.
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation