Tenant Home Insurance Requirement in France
As a tenant in France, understanding the mandatory home insurance requirement helps you protect your belongings and avoid disputes with the landlord. This insurance generally covers tenant liability and damage to the dwelling, but coverages may vary. Here you will find simple explanations of what the law requires, who must subscribe, how to choose a suitable policy, what evidence to provide and what steps to take in case of a claim or landlord refusal. The text also recalls possible remedies, from the departmental conciliation commission to the judicial court, so you know when to act and how to prepare your file.
What does mandatory home insurance cover?
The insurance required of the tenant most often covers "tenant liability" (damage caused to the dwelling) and certain risks such as fire, water damage and explosion. Depending on the lease, the landlord may request additional guarantees. Always check the clauses of your rental agreement and keep the insurance certificate requested by the landlord.
Who must subscribe and what proof to provide?
In principle the tenant must take out insurance for the duration of the lease and present a certificate to the landlord at the start of the tenancy and each year if requested. In the case of flat-sharing, each roommate may have to justify individual insurance depending on the contract. Keep contracts, certificates and correspondence as proof.
Useful documents
- Annual insurance certificate provided by the insurer
- Rental agreement and clauses related to insurance
- Accident report and photos in case of claim
What to do in case of a claim?
Report the claim to your insurer within the time limits indicated in the contract, often 5 days for water damage and 2 days for theft. Also inform the landlord and, if necessary, take photos and an inventory of affected items. If the landlord disputes liability, prepare a file with all evidence and actions taken.
Immediate steps after a claim
- Notify the insurer within the contractual deadlines
- Contact the landlord to inform them and arrange a visit if necessary
- Gather evidence: photos, witnesses, reports
- Send registered letters if the situation requires formalization
Exemptions and special situations
Certain rentals may contain specific clauses (official housing, seasonal furnished rental, etc.). In rare cases, insurance may be taken by the landlord when the lease provides, but the practical obligation remains to be able to justify adequate coverage. For more examples and a sample rental contract or inventory of fixtures, consult official resources.[1]
Remedies in case of a dispute with the landlord
If the landlord refuses to receive your certificate, demands insurance not provided for, or threatens sanctions, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission (CDC) for an amicable resolution. As a last resort, the judicial court handles disputes related to the lease and the performance of rental obligations. Law n°89-462 of July 6, 1989 governs these relations and your rights as a tenant.[2]
FAQ
- Do I have to insure my home if I am a tenant?
- Yes, except for exceptions provided in the lease; in practice the tenant most often must take out home insurance covering tenant liability.
- What happens if I do not have insurance?
- The landlord can demand regularization and, as a last resort, cover repairs and deduct the amount from the security deposit or initiate legal proceedings.
- How do I prove that I have insured the dwelling?
- By providing the annual insurance certificate and keeping correspondence exchanged with the insurer and the landlord.
How to
- Check the insurance clauses in your rental agreement
- Compare insurance offers adapted to the risks mentioned in the lease
- Subscribe and request a certificate from the insurer
- Send the certificate to the landlord and keep a copy
- In case of dispute, contact the departmental conciliation commission then the judicial court if necessary
