Rental deposit and guarantee: the complete guide

In brief:

1. The security deposit is capped at 1 month rent excluding charges for unfurnished, 2 months for furnished (France).
2. Return must occur within 1 to 2 months after key handover, depending on move-out inspection.
3. Visale is a free state guarantee accessible to most tenants under 31 in France.
4. A delay in return triggers a 10 percent monthly penalty per month overdue.

Signing a rental lease with deposit — Photo via Unsplash

Deposit and guarantee: don’t confuse them

The guarantor (caution) is a person (natural or legal) who commits to paying rent in case of tenant default. The security deposit is the amount paid by the tenant to the landlord to cover possible unpaid rent or damage.

Legal caps

Possible guarantees

Several schemes reassure landlords:

• Joint guarantor (caution solidaire): a family member commits in writing
• Visale: free state guarantee (Action Logement) for young and precarious workers
• Unpaid Rent Guarantee (GLI): insurance taken by the landlord
• Bank guarantee: the bank blocks a sum equivalent to several months of rent

Return of the security deposit

“The landlord has one month to return the deposit if the move-out inspection matches move-in, or two months if deductions are made. Beyond that, a 10 percent monthly penalty applies.” — ALUR Law, article 22

Authorized deductions

The landlord can deduct from the deposit:

• Unpaid rent and charges (justified)
• Unperformed rental repairs (quotes or invoices)
• Damages noted at move-out inspection
• Charges adjustment (with receipts)

Visale: the free guarantee

Visale is accessible to all tenants under 31 in France, regardless of status. Beyond that, it targets salaried workers in precarious contracts, apprentices, scholarship students and households in professional mobility.

Steps to subscribe to Visale

1. Create an account on visale.fr
2. Obtain the visa (before or during home search)
3. Present the visa to the landlord who validates
4. Sign the lease with Visale guarantee activated

To understand rental framework, see our unfurnished or furnished rental guide. For rental investment, see the beginner’s guide. And for complementary insurance, our home insurance guide.

Frequently asked questions