Furnished Residential Lease: Rules, Term, Notice Period, and Obligations
What is a furnished residential lease?
A furnished residential lease is a rental agreement under which a landlord provides a furnished dwelling that is ready for immediate occupancy. The tenant can move in without having to purchase essential furniture.
This type of lease applies to a dwelling intended to serve as the tenant’s primary residence. It is governed by the law of July 6, 1989, as amended by the ALUR Act, which establishes a specific framework for furnished rental agreements.
To be considered furnished, the dwelling must contain a minimum of amenities essential for daily life. Without these, the lease may be reclassified as an unfurnished rental, subject to different rules, particularly regarding the lease term and the notice period.
What is the difference between a furnished lease and an unfurnished lease?
In a furnished rental, the tenant has immediate access to everything needed for daily living. In an unfurnished rental, the tenant must furnish the apartment themselves.
These differences have a direct impact on lease management:
- Lease term: 1 year for a furnished unit versus 3 years for an unfurnished unit
- Security deposit: up to 2 months' rent for furnished units, 1 month's rent for unfurnished units
What are the requirements for a residence to be considered furnished?
A furnished apartment must comply with a specific list established by decree. The landlord must provide sufficient furniture to allow for normal use of the dwelling.
Required items include:
- Bedding with a comforter or blanket
- Stovetops, ovens, or microwaves
- Refrigerator
- Dishes and kitchen utensils
- Table, chairs, storage
- Light Fixtures and Curtains
These items must be listed in an inventory attached to the furnished rental agreement.
How long is a lease for a furnished apartment?
The term of the lease depends on the type of furnished rental. For a standard furnished lease, the contract is for a minimum of one year and is automatically renewable.
For a student lease, the term is 9 months, with no option to renew.
The mobility lease, intended for people in situations of professional mobility, lasts from 1 to 10 months and cannot be renewed.
What clauses must be included in a valid furnished lease?
A furnished rental agreement must include certain required information to be valid.
Some of the key elements include:
- The identities of the landlord and the tenant
- Description of the property and its square footage
- Lease Term and Effective Date
- The amount of rent and rental expenses
- The amount of the security deposit
- Conditions for Rent Adjustments
- The inclusion of a termination clause in the event of nonpayment
What documents must be attached to a lease for a furnished residence?
A lease for a furnished residence must be accompanied by several required documents.
The main attachments to the lease agreement are:
- The technical inspection report (DPE, electricity, gas…)
- L’Move-in Inspection
- Detailed Inventory of Furniture
- The Information Sheet on Rights and Obligations
- The Tenant's Insurance Certificate
These documents protect both the landlord and the tenant, particularly in the event of a dispute regarding the return of the property.
