France clarifies tenant security deposit disputes and required rental documents

French tenancy law limits a security deposit to one month's rent for furnished rentals and two months' rent for unfurnished rentals. Under article 22 of the July 6 1989 law, landlords must return the deposit within one month if the exit inventory matches the entry inventory, or within two months if differences are noted. Failure to meet the deadline allows tenants to claim a penalty of 10 % of the monthly rent per month of delay.

The law also defines what landlords may legitimately retain from the deposit, such as costs for actual damages or unpaid rent, and prohibits unjustified deductions. Separate regulations from the 2014 Alur law and a 2015 decree list the documents landlords can request from prospective tenants. Forbidden items include criminal records, health information, and full bank statements. Acceptable documents are a valid identity card or passport, proof of current residence (e.g., recent utility bill or rental receipt), and evidence of income. Landlords who demand prohibited documents risk sanctions.

These provisions aim to protect tenants from abusive practices while clarifying landlords' rights and obligations during the rental process.