What lease types and notice periods apply to renting in Paris?
French residential leases mainly come as unfurnished (bail vide), typically for three years, and furnished (bail meublé), typically for one year, each with its own minimum notice period for the tenant to leave. A landlord's ability to end the lease is far more restricted than a tenant's and only applies at renewal for specific legal reasons.
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How it works
A tenant gives written notice to end the lease, generally by registered letter, with the length of notice depending on the lease type and sometimes reduced in specific situations such as a first job or health grounds. A landlord can only refuse to renew the lease at its term, for reasons such as selling the property, moving in personally, or a legitimate and serious cause.
Commonly mixed up with
A furnished lease is sometimes assumed to work exactly like an unfurnished one with a shorter term. Notice periods, renewal conditions and some tenant protections differ between the two lease types.
What lease types and notice periods apply to renting in Paris?
| Knowledge, Paris | Big city topics |
|---|---|
| Short answer | French residential leases mainly come as unfurnished (bail vide), typically for three years, and furnished (bail meublé), typically for one year, each with its own minimum notice period for the tenant to leave. A landlord's ability to end the lease is far more restricted than a tenant's and only applies at renewal for specific legal reasons. |
| How it works | A tenant gives written notice to end the lease, generally by registered letter, with the length of notice depending on the lease type and sometimes reduced in specific situations such as a first job or health grounds. A landlord can only refuse to renew the lease at its term, for reasons such as selling the property, moving in personally, or a legitimate and serious cause. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A furnished lease is sometimes assumed to work exactly like an unfurnished one with a shorter term. Notice periods, renewal conditions and some tenant protections differ between the two lease types. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- What is the standard notice period for a tenant?
- It varies by lease type and is generally shorter for furnished lets than for unfurnished ones.
- Can notice be shortened?
- Certain situations set out in law allow a reduced notice period for the tenant.
- How does a landlord end a lease?
- A landlord can only decline renewal at the lease term, for a limited set of legal reasons.
- Must notice be given in writing?
- Yes, notice is generally given in writing, commonly by registered letter.
- Where are lease rules published?
- Service-public.fr publishes current rules for both lease types.
Sources
More in this track
- How do rental deposits work when renting in Paris?
- What documents are needed to rent housing in Paris?
- What is the carte Vitale and how does French health insurance work?
- How does seeing a doctor and getting reimbursed work in Paris?
- How does school enrolment work in Paris?
- What are the waste and recycling rules in Paris?
- What is the ZFE low emission zone and the Crit'Air sticker in Paris?
- What are the noise and neighbour rules in Paris?
- How do you register utilities and update your address in Paris?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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