Flatsharing and Rights: Everything You Need to Know About Your Guarantees and Obligations

Living in a flatshare means adopting a community lifestyle that requires clear regulation. As a flatmate, you have rights but also duties toward your landlord and your peers. Whether you share an apartment or a room in a residence, here are the essential rules to secure your rental.

Flatsharing: Definition and Legal Framework

By definition, flatsharing (colocation) refers to several people (excluding married or civil partner couples) making the same property their primary residence. Each resident must be mentioned on the rental contract to benefit from the same guarantees. In practice, the occupation of a basement or any space not complying with safety standards is prohibited.

Which Type of Lease Should You Choose for Your Home?

The type of lease chosen has a direct impact on the rent amount and daily management.

The Single Lease and the Solidarity Clause:

In a single lease (bail unique), all flatmates sign one and the same contract. This document almost always contains a solidarity clause. This clause means that each flatmate is responsible for the payment of the entire rent and charges if one member defaults. In the event of a flatmate's departure, this solidarity can extend until a new flatmate moves in or until the end of the lease.

The Individual Lease:

Here, each flatmate signs a contract in their own name. This limits financial risks because there is no legal solidarity link between tenants for the payment of their share of the rent.

Formalities: Inventory and Security Deposit

Moving in is marked by the move-in inventory (état des lieux d'entrée), a crucial step for the protection of your security deposit.

• The Security Deposit: Its amount is generally set at one month's rent (excluding charges) for an unfurnished rental and two months for a furnished one.

• The Inventory: This document describes the state of every room, from the bathroom to the living room. Upon the departure of a tenant, a move-out inventory will be conducted to compare any potential damages.

Flatsharing and Rights: Aid and Guarantees

As a flatmate, you have the right to apply for housing aid from the CAF.

• CAF Aid: You can apply for APL. The CAF will calculate the aid based on your share of the rent and your employment status.

• Decent Housing: The owner is obligated to provide decent housing. This implies a minimum surface area, access to water and heating, and compliance with co-ownership criteria.

• Insurance: It is imperative to take out home insurance to protect against rental risks.

Departure and Replacement: Rules to Know

The departure of one flatmate does not terminate the lease for everyone. However, if a new flatmate arrives, an addendum (avenant) to the contract must be drafted. In high-demand areas (zone tendue), the lease duration and rent review conditions are strictly regulated by the law in force.

Why Choose Colonies for Your Flatshare?

On our website, discover how Colonies simplifies flatsharing and rights. We manage all administrative conditions for you: from signing the lease to managing charges. Our properties meet the highest safety and comfort standards, allowing you to enjoy your lifestyle without the hassles of traditional management.