How to Rent a House in France Long-Term: A Guide for Property Investors
- APW Group
- May 9
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
Renting out property in France can be a smart, long-term investment. With its stable property market, high demand for rentals in urban and tourist areas, and favourable landlord laws (especially for unfurnished rentals), France is increasingly attractive to both seasoned and aspiring property investors.
If you're looking to rent a house in France long-term — either to live in while you search for investment opportunities or to let it out and generate steady income — this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why Consider France for Long-Term Property Investment?

Before diving into the rental process, it’s important to understand why France is a hotspot for investors:
Stable real estate market with gradual appreciation.
Strong demand for long-term rentals in cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and university towns.
Tenant protection laws balanced by structured contracts that protect landlords.
Attractive mortgage rates for both residents and non-residents.
Lifestyle appeal draws digital nomads, retirees, and expats year-round.
Step-by-Step Guide to Renting a House in France Long-Term

1. Choose the Right Location
For long-term rental success, location is everything. Focus on:
Urban centers with strong rental demand (e.g., Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier).
University towns for student rentals.
Commuter zones with transport links to major cities.
Tourist-to-residential transition towns, where short-term lets are being capped (creating demand for long-term rentals).
Investor Tip: Look for up-and-coming neighbourhoods with good infrastructure and upcoming development projects.
2. Understand French Rental Laws
France distinguishes between furnished and unfurnished rentals:
Unfurnished rental contracts (bail vide): 3-year minimum terms (6 years if the landlord is a company). Offers better tenant stability and lower turnover.
Furnished rental contracts (bail meublé): 1-year renewable terms with specific furniture requirements.
Landlords must register with local tax authorities and may need to declare rental income in France, even if living abroad.
3. Prepare Required Documents
To rent a house in France, whether as a tenant or a landlord vetting tenants, you’ll need:
Valid ID or passport
Proof of income (e.g., payslips, tax returns, pension statements)
Employment contract or proof of business activity
French guarantor or rental guarantee insurance (especially for foreign tenants)
As a landlord, request a complete dossier from prospective tenants and consider using a Garantme or Visale guarantee to reduce default risk.
4. Search Through the Right Channels
To find or list a long-term rental, use:
SeLoger (www.seloger.com)
Le Bon Coin (www.leboncoin.fr)
PAP.fr (no-agency direct listings)
Local estate agents (agences immobilières)
Facebook groups or local expat forums
Investor Strategy: Partner with a bilingual agent or property manager who understands rental regulations and tenant screening.
5. Sign a Compliant Lease Agreement
Rental contracts in France must comply with strict legal templates. Key elements include:
Rent amount and charges
Duration of the lease
Deposit (max. 1 month for unfurnished; 2 months for furnished)
Notice periods (3 months for tenant in unfurnished, 1 month for furnished)
Investor Note: Rent control applies in certain cities (e.g., Paris), so ensure compliance to avoid fines.
6. Register & Declare Your Rental Income
All landlords must:
Register the property with the local mairie (town hall)
Declare rental income under the micro-foncier or régime réel regime
Pay applicable taxes: income tax, social contributions, and potentially Taxe Foncière
Consider working with a bilingual accountant familiar with non-resident taxation.
Buying to Rent in France – Investor Quick Tips

France’s long-term rental market is a prime opportunity for investors seeking stable returns and future capital growth. Whether you’re looking to rent a property yourself or build a portfolio of rentals, understanding the local legal and market landscape is key to success.
Use a French mortgage broker to get competitive rates, even as a non-resident.
Focus on energy-efficient properties (DPE rating A-C) to future-proof against new rental laws.
Renovation = opportunity: Properties needing light work may offer strong ROI when repositioned for the rental market.
Consider LMNP status (Loueur Meublé Non-Professionnel) for tax benefits on furnished rentals.
France’s long-term rental market is a prime opportunity for investors seeking stable returns and future capital growth. Whether you’re looking to rent a property yourself or build a portfolio of rentals, understanding the local legal and market landscape is key to success.
Ready to Start your French Property Journey?
If you want to explore investment properties in France, we can help you. APW Group was founded by expats, for expats; building upon over 30 years of experience in property and fixed income investments.
Our team brings a wealth of experience in the global property market, guiding you through everything from discovering the perfect home to securing visas and navigating local laws with confidence. We’ve helped over 6,000 expats progress their property portfolio in cities all over the world, from Spain and Portugal to Bali and Phuket.
Looking for your entry point into the French market? Get in touch today.
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