14. Household Insurance on a French Rental Property

A landlord is obliged to take out insurance cover for the property to cover their liability for claims arising from structural defects in the property, and for claims arising out of their repairing obligations.

It is also possible to obtain a comprehensive insurance policy that covers, not only the usual public liability insurance, but will also include insurance against the non-payment of rent.

There is a similar obligation on the tenant of an unfurnished tenancy to take out insurance against the risk of fire, explosion, and infiltration of water etc for which they may be responsible.

The minimum insurance required by a tenant is for risques locatifs, but a more prudent policy would be for multi-risques d’habitation, which would include damage or theft to personal belongings.

The tenant is required to supply the landlord with a copy of the insurance certificate each year.

There is no obligation on a tenant of a furnished tenancy to take out insurance, in which case it is clearly imperative that the landlord has comprehensive cover, or insist the tenant takes out insurance as part of the letting terms.

---

Next: Landlord Repairing Obligations

Back: Protection Against Arrears of Rent