Student housing notice period: the complete guide for your lease

What is the duration of a student housing notice period? How, exactly, does the termination procedure take place when it is at the initiative of the landlord or the tenant? What are the differences between a notice period for a furnished and an empty apartment? Colonies answers all your questions to properly manage your lease termination.

The specificity of the student lease

The student lease does not respond to the same rules as the traditional lease. Upon signing, the tenant only commits for a period of 9 months (the duration of an academic year) against 12 months for the classic lease. Regarding the duration of the student housing notice period, it depends on the type of student housing preferred. For a furnished rental (most students), the notice period must be 1 month. For a rental without furniture, the notice period remains fixed at 3 months. Furthermore, the tacit renewal of contracts does not apply as for a normal lease if the rental contract is a 9-month student lease for a furnished unit. On the other hand, it applies in the case of a lease for an empty rental.

What notice period based on the person at the initiative of the termination?

Termination at the initiative of the tenant? At the initiative of the landlord? You will see that this question is important, because it will significantly lengthen, or reduce, the duration of the student housing notice period.

The notice period with a termination at the initiative of the student tenant

If you wish to leave your student apartment, 3 cases are possible. If you have signed the lease for an empty housing, your notice period will be 3 months with, however, some possible exceptions. For example, for an apartment in a high-demand area, for a medical problem or because of a move due to a first job, the notice period can be reduced to 1 month. In the case of a lease for a furnished housing, it is simple and clear, the notice period is always 1 month. Finally, for a 9-month student housing, in a residence, for example, the notice period is also 1 month. Of course, if your lease expires before the end of the month, you only pay your rent in proportion to the days you occupied the studio or apartment.

The notice period with a termination at the initiative of the landlord

The Alur Law stipulates that, for a furnished apartment, a landlord must signal 3 months in advance a lease termination to their tenant. Furthermore, this can only be done at the end of the current lease year and only in 3 specific cases: If the owner wants to occupy the housing themselves, install a spouse or child there; If the owner wants to sell their property; If the owner invokes a resolutory clause for the lease contract. The resolutory clause is a clause that allows each party to request the termination of the contract in the event of failure to fulfill an obligation... Indeed, in the event of non-payment of rent or charges, absence of security deposit, non-respect of the premises, the landlord can automatically terminate the lease thanks to this rule. Before using this resolutory clause, the owner must first send a formal notice to the tenant and it is only in the absence of a response or in the event of a refusal that they can invoke it.

Is it possible to reduce the student tenant's lease notice period?

There are certain exceptions that allow for a reduction in the duration of the student housing notice period for the termination of an empty apartment. These are general and concern all types of tenants. A tenant can reduce the notice period if: They receive the RSA; They have lost their job; They undergo a professional transfer; They have a health problem that justifies their move; They find a job. Obviously, all these causes cannot adapt to the situation of a student. For example, they cannot receive the RSA because of their status. Similarly, this reduction in notice does not apply in the case of student mobility. On the other hand, if the student finds a first job, they can reduce their notice, if necessary.

What procedure to carry out your student housing notice period in the rules?

But how to put into practice a lease contract termination? The procedure is very simple, as a tenant, you only have to write a lease termination letter. The student housing notice period letter must contain information such as your name, that of the landlord, and of course, be dated and signed. Then, it must be sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt to be valid. If you do not know how to write your 1-month or 3-month termination notice, do an internet search. There are dozens of free models to inspire you.

Conclusion: the question of notice period in Colonies flatshares

As a student, you can perfectly claim to be part of the Colonies adventure! We exclusively offer furnished housing, the duration of your student housing notice period will therefore not exceed 1 month. Private spaces, common spaces, everything has been thought of to create a true bubble of happiness and well-being, a true home to share. To convince yourself, take a virtual tour of one of our properties, and who knows? You might find your home for the next academic year.