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Rental: the documents that your landlord can ask for

Renting a bare or furnished house or apartment is subject to the ALUR law. This legislative text contains the list of supporting documents that a The owner of a rented house can request from a future tenant and from his guarantor. These files guarantee the owner the tenant's ability to pay the rent amount fixed in advance. Rental deposits must also provide the owner with supporting documents in the context of a private rental. The law states that the tenant can give copies of papers that are true to the original. However, there are rental records that the owner can only request once and others that the owner cannot require.


The standard for proof of identity


In order to ensure the accuracy of the identity of a rental candidate, the owner must require the presentation of supporting documents. These documents must be translated or written in French, and the amounts mentioned must be converted into euros. It is important to note that the landlord cannot ask the tenant for an extract from his criminal record or a bank account statement. However, the lessor may legitimately request a valid official document with photo and signature. These documents may include a passport, a national identity card, a driver's license, a temporary residence or resident card, or a card certifying that the tenant is a national of a state or commercial space in the European Union, thus proving his right to rent abroad.


Proof of address


The law allows the owner to request one of the following documents to attest to the tenant's residence: rent receipts for the last three months of his previous home. In the absence of rent receipts, the tenant can provide a certificate from his former landlord confirming the regular payment of rent and charges related to the accommodation. A certificate of choice of residence issued by an approved body in accordance with article L. 264-2 of the Code of Social Action and Families. A sworn certificate from the host, indicating that the prospective tenant actually resides at his home. The latest property tax notice. In case of absence of the latter, the title to the main residence may be provided.


Justification on the profession


When renting a property, the owner may request certain mandatory documents from the prospective tenant and his guarantor, in accordance with the ALUR law. These documents serve as proof of the tenant's ability to pay the agreed rent. The tenant is authorized to provide certified copies of the required documents.

The landlord cannot require a criminal record extract or bank statements from the tenant. However, he is entitled to request identity documents such as a valid passport, a national identity card, a national identity card, a driving license, a temporary residence permit, a residence card, or a card confirming the tenant's status as a citizen of a Member State of the European Union or of a commercial area within the EU, demonstrating the right to rent abroad.

As far as proof of residence is concerned, the owner may require either rent receipts for the last three months, or a certificate from the previous owner confirming the timely payment of rent and related charges. Other acceptable forms include a certificate of choice of residence issued by an approved organization or a declaration of honor from the host, affirming that the tenant actually resides at the address indicated. In the absence of these documents, the latest property tax notice or the title to the main residence may be provided.

As for proof of employment, the owner may request an employment contract or a document signed by the employer specifying the position, salary and duration of the tenant's contract. For self-employed workers, a copy of the INSEE identification certificate is required as a guarantee. If the tenant is a student, a valid school certificate or student card may be provided. It is recommended that you refer to the applicable legislation for a complete list of documents that may be requested as part of a rental contract.


The necessary documents for the purchase of land


Looking for a rental property can sometimes discourage more than one, a real obstacle course. This difficulty is explained by the many factors that come into account such as the location of the property, rent, security... This situation encourages many to invest in new buildings, to invest in building land in departments with high potential such as for example a land for sale 17 in Charente-Maritime. To buy a property, here are the essential documents to provide.
For building land: nature of the property sold (if it is a house, land, etc.), the exact address of the property, title, boundary report, legal situation (urban planning certificate, cadastral extract, mortgage statement, etc.). Additional documents for if it is a house, a building... Mandatory technical diagnostics (the list of diagnoses depends on the age of the house, the installations present and its location). And also information on the sanitation system.

How can rental scams be detected and avoided?

Detecting and avoiding rental scams is of paramount importance to protect against fraudulent practices. Here are some key tips to help you with this process:

1. Be careful with attractive rental offers: Scammers often lure potential renters with extremely low rental prices that seem too good to be true. If the rent seems unrealistically low compared to similar properties in the area, exercise caution and investigate further.

2. Beware of duplicate listings: If you find a rental listing with a text description that is the same or similar to other listings, this could be a sign of a fraudulent listing. Legitimate owners generally create unique and original descriptions for their rental properties.

3. Verify the authenticity of the photos: Pay attention to the photos provided with the ad. If they appear to be generic images or if you find the same photos in other ads, this may indicate a scam. Request additional photos or schedule a visit to the property to confirm its authenticity.

4. Be careful with online payment requests: Scammers often ask for payment through unconventional methods such as bank transfers, money orders, or prepaid cards. Be skeptical if the owner insists on using these payment methods, especially if they ask for advance payment without a signed rental agreement.

5. Research the owner or property management company: Before entering into any rental agreement, conduct thorough research on the owner or property management company. Check their contact details, look for reviews, and check if they are registered with official associations or real estate advisers. Trusted owners will have a legitimate and trackable online presence.

6. Beware of upfront fees: Be careful with advance fee requests before signing a rental agreement. In most cases, legitimate landlords only require a deposit and the first rent upon signing the rental contract. If you are asked to pay for other services, such as viewing the property or getting a list of available rentals, it could be a scam.

7. Trust your instincts: If something seems suspicious to you or if communication with the owner seems questionable, trust your instincts. Scammers often use pressure tactics, create a sense of urgency, or avoid direct communication. If you're uncomfortable with any aspect of the rental process, it's best to step away from it and find a more trustworthy option.

If you have been the victim of a rental scam or if you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement and rental sites. Sharing your experience can help protect others from the same deception.

How can I get a warranty online?


To secure your online transaction, using an online deposit is an advantageous option, and platforms such as Unkle offer this facility. When your request is validated, you will get an essential document, the “warranty certificate”, which acts as a guarantee. This certificate will later act as a deposit to consolidate the transaction.

What is a bank guarantee and how does it work?


A bank deposit is a form of security deposit that tenants provide to their owners in France. This procedure consists of paying a sum of money equivalent to several months' rent into a specific bank account. This deposited amount acts as a guarantee for the landlord, offering protection in case of unpaid rent or damage caused by the tenant. In the event of non-payment on the part of the tenant, the owner has the option of requesting the bank to release the funds from the deposit and thus cover the amounts due.