Coliving in France: Joint or Individual Tenancy for Tenants
Understanding leases in shared housing
In shared housing, a joint lease means that all housemates appear on the same contract and are generally jointly liable for paying the rent and fulfilling obligations. With individual tenancies, each tenant has their own contract and is mainly responsible for their share. The 1989 law and its amendments govern general rules for residential leases and the landlord's and tenant's obligations.See the law[2]
Practical differences
The differences affect rent allocation, proceedings in case of non-payment, and liability for damage. Before signing, check the contract and the inventory of fixtures, and request a model contract if needed.Model contract[1]
Calculating your share of the rent
There is no single rule imposed by law to split rent among tenants: usually it is the agreement between occupants or the contract indication that prevails. Here are common methods:
- Calculate the rent share (rent) by dividing the total amount by the number of occupants if you agreed on an equal split.
- Allocate according to area or the room occupied by applying a prorated share (rent) if one room is significantly larger.
- Provide a written clause for charges and the deposit (deposit) to avoid disagreements over sums to be refunded.
In case of non-payment
If one of the tenants does not pay, in a joint lease the landlord can demand payment from all tenants. With individual tenancies, the landlord can act against the debtor tenant under their own contract. In case of dispute, seek conciliation first.
Responsibilities, repairs and security deposit
The security deposit is intended to cover possible damage or unpaid rent under the conditions provided in the contract. Minor repairs are usually the tenant's responsibility and major repairs the landlord's, unless otherwise agreed.
- Check the amount and conditions for returning the deposit (deposit) in the contract.
- Report repair needs (repair) to the landlord in writing promptly and keep proof of your report.
- Respect legal deadlines (days) for the deposit return; if delayed, you can claim interest.
When to act and what remedies exist
Before any procedure, try conciliation with the landlord or the departmental conciliation commission (Commission départementale de conciliation). If conciliation fails, the competent court is the Tribunal judiciaire. Gather evidence, receipts and written exchanges before bringing a case.
Foire aux questions
- Qu'est-ce qu'un bail unique en colocation ?
- Un bail unique est un contrat commun mentionnant tous les colocataires, qui deviennent solidaires des obligations du bail.
- Quels risques en cas de bail unique ?
- En cas d'impayé ou de dégradation, le bailleur peut demander réparation à n'importe lequel des colocataires, qui devront ensuite se retourner entre eux.
- Comment calculer ma part du loyer ?
- Vous pouvez diviser le loyer à parts égales, appliquer un prorata selon la surface, ou suivre une répartition spécifiée dans le contrat.
Comment faire
- Vérifier le contrat et calculer votre part du loyer (rent) selon la méthode convenue.
- Rassembler les preuves : quittances, état des lieux, échanges écrits et photos (evidence).
- Contacter le bailleur à l'amiable pour demander réparations ou régularisation (contact).
- Si nécessaire, saisir la Commission départementale de conciliation puis le Tribunal judiciaire (court) en dernier recours.
Aide et ressources
- Service-public : location, bail et dépôt de garantie
- Legifrance : textes officiels sur le bail d'habitation
- Justice.fr : informations sur les juridictions
