18. Transfer of the Tenancy of a French Rental Property

In the event of death, or abandonment of the property by the tenant, then it is possible that others have a right to the tenancy of the property.

The rules that apply depend on the nature of the relationship of the applicant to the tenant.

1. 18.1. Married Couples
2. 18.2. Civil Partnerships
3. 18.3. 'Free Union' Couples
4. 18.4. Other Family Members

18.1. Married Couples and Tenancy Transfers in France

Even though only one of the parties may have signed the tenancy agreement, the law recognises a joint tenancy from the outset.

Accordingly, in the event of the death of a sole tenant, the tenancy is automatically transferred to the surviving spouse, who need simply inform the landlord of the death of their spouse.

Indeed, the surviving spouse has a right to claim the tenancy even though they may not have been living in the property at the time of death of the tenant.