Tenant Home Insurance in France: Differences

As a tenant in France, understanding mandatory home insurance and its differences depending on circumstances is essential to protect your rights and your dwelling. This article clearly explains who must subscribe, what mandatory tenant insurance covers, the distinctions between liability and additional coverages, and the steps to take in case of a claim or a landlord27s refusal. You will also find practical steps to build a file, contest an unjustified request and refer the departmental conciliation commission or the judicial court if necessary. The tone is accessible and suited to tenants facing rent, inventory report or repair issues.

What does tenant home insurance cover?

Mandatory tenant insurance mainly aims to cover civil liability towards the landlord and third parties (damage caused to the dwelling or neighbors), as well as certain damages such as fires or water damage depending on the contract. The exact contents of coverages depend on the chosen contract and any exclusions noted by the insurer. For legal obligations, refer to the applicable text on residential leases.^[1]

Key differences between coverages

• Tenant27s civil liability.
• Damage to the dwelling (fire, water damage, vandalism depending on the contract).
• Personal belongings: often not covered by a basic tenant insurance policy.
• Additional guarantees: theft, glass breakage, legal protection.

Legal obligations and sanctions

In France the tenant is generally required to insure against rental risks when a clause in the lease requires it; the landlord can request an insurance certificate at the inventory of fixtures or during the tenancy. In case of failure, the landlord can formally require the tenant to produce a certificate and then, as a last resort, terminate the lease or subscribe insurance at the tenant27s expense in specific cases, after procedures provided by the law on residential leases.^[1]

What to do in case of a claim or landlord refusal?

After a claim, contact your insurer to report the claim and follow instructions for expert assessment. If the landlord refuses a certificate or disputes your insurance validity, keep all written exchanges and supporting documents (emails, letters, certificates). If an amicable solution fails, the Departmental Conciliation Commission can be seized before any judicial recourse.^[3]

FAQ

Does the tenant always have to have home insurance?

Yes if the lease requires it; most leases include an insurance obligation to cover rental risks.

What if the landlord asks for a certificate and I already have one?

Provide the certificate promptly and keep proof of receipt; if the landlord persists, request written explanations and keep them.

How do I contact the Departmental Conciliation Commission?

Contact your town hall or check the official website to learn the procedure and required documents.

How to

1. Gather supporting documents: lease agreement, inventory of fixtures, exchanges with the landlord and insurance certificate.
2. Report the claim to your insurer by phone then confirm by registered letter if necessary.
3. Refer the Departmental Conciliation Commission if the dispute cannot be resolved amicably.
4. If conciliation fails, prepare a file for the judicial court with all supporting evidence.

Help and resources

• Certificate and tenant obligations (Service-public.fr)
• Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989 (Legifrance)
• Departmental Conciliation Commission (Service-public.fr)

1. [1] Legifrance — Law n° 89-462 of July 6, 1989
2. [2] Service-public.fr — Certificate and tenant obligations
3. [3] Service-public.fr — Departmental Conciliation Commission