Mobility Lease: What is it and how does it work?

Forget about complex formalities and three-year commitments! The mobility lease has revolutionized renting in France by adapting perfectly to modern lifestyles, which are often structured around studies, internships, or short-term professional assignments.

So, what exactly is a mobility lease, who can benefit from it, and how does it work? Let’s find out together.

What is a Mobility Lease?

What is a mobility lease? It’s a type of short-term rental contract, ranging from 1 to 10 months, for a furnished apartment. It was introduced by the ELAN law (Évolution du Logement, de l’Aménagement et du Numérique) in 2018 to offer more flexibility to temporary tenants. Unlike a classic lease, it is specifically designed for people in a situation of professional or academic mobility.

Its main asset is its flexibility. The landlord and the tenant sign a simple contract without needing a security deposit (un dépôt de garantie). However, the owner can request a Visale guarantee to secure the payment of the rent. This greatly facilitates the process for students and young professionals who don’t always have the funds to pay an extra month’s rent upfront.

Contract duration and renewal

Duration:

As specified on the government website Service-Public.fr, “the mobility lease has a minimum duration of one month and a maximum of ten months.”

This is a clear commitment that allows you to plan your stay. At the end of the period, the contract automatically terminates without the landlord needing to give notice.

Renewal:

If you wish to stay in the accommodation, you will have to sign a new rental contract, which will not be a mobility lease but a classic one-year renewable lease, unless you are still eligible and the landlord agrees to sign a new mobility lease for an additional period and within the 10-month maximum limit.

💡 Good to know : The duration of the lease is fixed at the time of signing, and you cannot change it along the way. If your need is ultimately 12 months, for example, you cannot opt for this type of lease.

Example: Alex rents an apartment with a mobility lease for 8 months for his professional training. His training is extended by 3 months. He can’t renew his mobility lease because the total duration would exceed the 10-month maximum. He will therefore have to sign a standard lease with his landlord if he wishes to remain in the accommodation.

Rent and charges : simplified Management

With a mobility lease, rent management is also simplified. The rent is not controlled, and the landlord does not have to respect rent caps, except in “tension zones” where regulations apply. The rental charges are generally fixed. This means you pay a fixed amount each month that includes all services (water, electricity, heating, etc.). This helps you avoid bad surprises and makes it easier to manage your budget.

💡 Tip : The advantage of this fixed fee is that there is no regularization at the end of the year. The amount paid by the tenant remains the same and covers all charges.

The advantages of the Mobility Lease

The mobility lease offers significant advantages for both tenants and landlords.

Advantages for the Tenant:

• A contract without a security deposit: One of the unique features of the mobility lease is the absence of a security deposit. In return, the Visale guarantee, offered by the Action Logement organization, allows the owner to be covered in case of unpaid rent and rental damage.
• Flexibility: Ideal for short stays (internship, university exchange, etc.).
• Simplicity: The process is quick, with fewer documents and no security deposit.
• Protection: The tenant’s rights are guaranteed by the framework of the ELAN law.

Example: Léa, a marketing student, has found a four-month internship in Paris. Thanks to the mobility lease, she can rent a studio without committing to a one-year contract and can leave at the end of her internship without complex formalities.

Advantages for the Landlord:

• Security: The Visale guarantee covers unpaid rent and any potential damage.
• Fluidity: Tenant turnover is simple and allows for optimized management.
• Profitability: Furnished housing is often more profitable and meets a high demand.

Mobility Lease template, formalities and documents

To sign a mobility lease, you will need to put together a rental file. The list of requested documents is lighter than for a classic lease. You generally need to provide:

• A valid ID (ID card, passport, etc.).
• Proof of your mobility situation (student card, certificate of enrollment, internship certificate, apprenticeship contract, etc.).
• Your proof of income (depending on the case, pay stubs, scholarship certificate, etc.).
• Your eligibility certificate for the Visale guarantee if your landlord requests it.

To help you, the official website of the French administration, service-public.fr, provides an official mobility lease template that you can download for free.

Rights and obligations: the duties of the tenant and the landlord

Even if it is more flexible, the mobility lease is still a contract that imposes rights and obligations on both parties.

As a tenant, you agree to:

• Pay the rent and charges on the agreed-upon date.
• Use the accommodation peacefully and respect the residence rules, as in any dwelling.
• Take out home insurance to cover rental risks.
• Not sublet or assign the lease without the owner’s written consent.

For their part, the landlord is obliged to:

• Provide a decent, safe, and well-maintained apartment.
• Give the tenant a copy of the rental contract and the entry inventory (état des lieux d’entrée). The inventory must be drafted carefully.
• Carry out repairs that are not the tenant’s responsibility. Decree No. 87-712 of August 26, 1987, specifies the tenant’s responsibilities for rental repairs.

In summary : why choose a Mobility Lease?

The mobility lease is the ideal housing solution for anyone, like you, who needs flexibility. It’s a simple, secure contract, perfectly adapted to modern lifestyles, whether for your studies or your career.

If you are a French or international student looking for temporary furnished student housing, the mobility lease is the answer to your needs.