Shared Tenancy in France: Joint or Individual Leases

Choosing between a joint lease and individual leases is a common decision for tenants in shared housing in France. The choice affects liability for rent, repairs, solidarity between housemates and procedures in case of departure or unpaid rent. This article plainly explains the differences, advantages and risks of each option, relying on French law and common practice. You will find practical steps to decide, prepare the inventory of fixtures, protect your deposit and act in case of a dispute. The tone remains accessible to help any tenant understand their rights and duties without unnecessary legal jargon.

Joint lease: features

A joint lease binds all housemates under the same contract and creates solidarity for payment of rent and charges. In practice, if one housemate stops paying, the landlord can claim the full amounts from the other housemates.^[1]

• Solidarity for rent payment: each tenant may be required to cover the missing share.
• A single contract simplifies administration (one landlord, one renewal date).
• The inventory of fixtures and security deposit are often managed collectively, requiring good organization.

Individual leases: features

With individual leases, each tenant signs their own contract with the landlord. Financial responsibility is individual unless stated otherwise. This option limits solidarity but can complicate coordination for repairs or shared heating.

• Responsibility limited to the tenant who signed for their share of rent and deposit.
• Repairs and maintenance: the landlord remains responsible for major repairs, but organization among housemates is essential.
• Notice periods and departures: each tenant may have their own notice according to their contract.

How to choose

To decide, weigh the trust among housemates, the group's financial stability and administrative ease. A joint lease favors administrative simplicity but increases risks if a housemate defaults. Individual leases better protect each tenant but require more coordination on shared spaces and charges.

What the law says

Tenancies are governed by the July 6, 1989 law and the Civil Code; rules cover lease duration, security deposit, repairs and termination procedures. For contract templates and inventory guides, consult official resources.^[2]

FAQ

What is solidarity between housemates?

Solidarity means that each housemate is responsible for the full rent payment if another housemate fails to pay.

Can I leave the shared tenancy without the others' agreement?

It depends on the lease type: with an individual lease yes according to your notice; with a joint lease you must follow the contract and inform the landlord, and leaving may require the other housemates' agreement.

Where can I find a contract template and the inventory of fixtures?

Official templates and practical guides are available on Service-public and Legifrance to verify your rights and obligations.^[2]

How to

1. Assess the situation: planned duration, the group's financial stability and preference for solidarity or autonomy.
2. Consult an appropriate contract template on the official site and check the solidarity clause and charges.^[2]
3. Prepare a precise inventory of fixtures on move-in and keep evidence (photos, emails).
4. Protect the security deposit: record its amount and the terms for restitution in the lease.

Help and Support

• [1] Service-public.fr — information and templates for renting
• [2] Legifrance.gouv.fr — official legal texts and articles
• [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission

1. [1] Service-public.fr — information and templates for renting
2. [2] Legifrance.gouv.fr — official legal texts and articles
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental conciliation commission