Shorter-term rental a help for workers in France

The lease, known as a bail mobilité, has been set up for people who need furnished accommodation for periods of between one and 10 months.

After a maximum of 10 months, the tenant must move out, though shorter agreements may be extended up to the maximum period.

Previously, traditional leases lasted a minimum of one year.

The bail mobilité would be suitable for temporary workers, students, anyone in vocational training or on apprenticeship contracts, who might otherwise have had to refuse a job offer or internship, for example, because the traditional process of finding accommodation was a problem.

The lease does not require the usual two-month security deposit for a furnished property, which cuts costs for tenants with limited means.

Landlords are still protected as the lease is covered by a public and free guarantee offered by Action Logement, known as the Visale.

The Visale usually protects landlords for unpaid rents, but for a bail mobilité, it also guarantees to cover any damage caused by the tenant at the end of the lease.

Tenants may terminate the lease at any time, by giving a minimum of one month’s notice.

Landlords do not have the same right, except in the event of a breach by the tenant. They can then bring court action to end the lease.