Renting out a property in France, whether furnished or unfurnished, now involves more than just signing a lease.
In certain municipalities, landlords must complete an administrative procedure known as the “permis de louer” (“rental permit”).
This requirement is particularly important for LMNP investors (Loueurs Meublés Non Professionnels, or Non-Professional Furnished Landlords), as it directly affects your compliance, rental security, and property value.
Definition and Legal Framework
The rental permit allows a municipality or an inter-municipal authority (EPCI) responsible for housing policy to make the rental of a dwelling subject to either prior authorization or declaration.
It was introduced by the ALUR Law (24 March 2014) and implemented through the French Construction and Housing Code (Articles L. 635-1 et seq. and L. 634-1 et seq.).
The purpose is to strengthen the fight against unsafe or substandard housing and ensure that all rented dwellings meet minimum standards of decency, safety, and sanitation.
In simple terms, local authorities must be able to ensure that very poor-quality housing is not being rented out.
Depending on the local regulations, two systems may apply:
- Declaration of Rental (DML):the landlord files a declaration after signing the lease;
- Prior Authorization to Rent (APML): the landlord must obtain approval before renting out the property.
Who Is Concerned?
The scheme applies to all private landlords renting out property as a tenant’s main residence, whether furnished or unfurnished, and located within a designated area defined by the municipality or the inter-municipal authority (EPCI).
These authorities decide whether to implement the system and define its perimeter (district, building, or geographic area).
Thus, not all municipalities are covered: it is the mayor or EPCI president who sets the boundaries.
Certain exceptions may apply for instance, social housing or dwellings under an APL rental agreement may be excluded, depending on the local decision.
As a landlord professional or “LMNP” you must therefore verify whether the rental of your property falls within an area where the rental permit applies, even if you are not a professional lessor.
How It Works: Declaration vs Prior Authorization
Declaration of Rental (DML)
If the municipality applies this regime, the landlord must complete Cerfa Form No. 15651*01 and submit it within 15 days after signing the lease.
The local authority will issue a receipt which must be kept by the landlord.
Prior Authorization to Rent (APML)
If the municipality requires prior authorization, the landlord must submit Cerfa Form No. 15652*01 before signing the lease, to the local town hall or EPCI.
The authority may inspect the property, verify mandatory diagnostics, and may condition approval on certain repairs.
If no response is received within the legal deadline, the authorization may be deemed tacitly granted.
The landlord must attach all technical reports (energy performance, gas, electricity, etc.) and any other documents requested.
The choice between DML and APML depends entirely on the local municipality — hence the importance of verifying which applies to your property.
How to Check Whether Your Property Is Affected
Here’s a step-by-step method to determine whether the permis de louer applies to your rental:
Identify the competent authority
Unfortunately, there is no national list of affected areas. You must check whether your property depends on a municipality or an EPCI that holds housing authority powers.
Consult the website of your local town hall (mairie) or inter-municipal authority, or contact the urban planning department by phone.
Official contact information can be found on the French government website:
👉 https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34210
Example: The city of Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis) specifies on its website that from 1 September 2025, every landlord of a dwelling over 15 years old must obtain prior authorization (APML).
Check the municipal or inter-municipal decree
Look for the official order or deliberation specifying:
- the type of procedure (DML or APML);
- the affected perimeter (district, building, age of property, etc.);
- any conditions (e.g., dwellings older than a certain age, or in multi-unit buildings).
This information is usually available on the town hall’s website or by direct inquiry.
Confirm your property meets the zone’s criteria
- Is the property located within the designated perimeter?
- Is it rented as a main residence (furnished or unfurnished)?
- Are there any applicable exemptions (social housing, subsidized dwellings, hotel-type rentals)?
Complete the correct procedure
- If your municipality requires APML, submit Cerfa 15652*01 before signing the lease.
- If it allows DML, submit Cerfa 15651*01 within 15 days after signing.
Attach all required diagnostics and supporting documents, keep the receipt or authorization, and make it available to your tenant.
Keep your documentation
Maintain copies of the following: forms, receipts or authorizations, lease agreement, and diagnostics.
In the event of an inspection, these must be readily available — so store them securely in your property management file.
Landlord’s Practical Obligations
Beyond the paperwork, landlords must also ensure:
- The dwelling meets decency and safety standards (minimum surface, ventilation, safe electrical and gas installations, absence of pests).
- All mandatory diagnostics (energy, gas, electricity, lead, asbestos, etc.) are attached.
- The appropriate procedure (APML or DML) has been followed.
- A new application is filed whenever a tenant changes, if required in the area.
- All documentation is kept in an organized “rental management” file (forms, receipts, lease, diagnostics, inventory).
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply can result in administrative and financial penalties:
- Up to €5,000 for a first offence ( renting without authorization or declaration);
- Up to €15,000 in case of recurrence or rental despite refusal;
- The lease remains valid for the tenant, but the landlord bears full responsibility.
These sanctions underline that this is not a minor formality — it is an essential compliance obligation.
Why This Regulation Exists: Purpose and Impact
For public authorities
The rental permit is a public policy tool designed to identify, monitor, and rehabilitate private rental properties that may present health or safety risks.
It forms part of France’s broader effort to combat substandard housing, particularly following several fires and incidents in unsafe buildings across major cities.
For landlords
- This measure encourages professional property management: anticipating obligations and meeting standards reduces risks of disputes and penalties.
- Proactive compliance helps prevent rental suspensions, authorisation refusals, or vacancy due to required renovations improving the long-term value of your rental portfolio.
Conclusion: Anticipate to Rent with Confidence
The rental permithas become an integral part of property management in France.
While it represents an additional administrative step, it can be handled efficiently with proper preparation.
For landlords especially LMNP investors the challenge is twofold:
- Ensure legal compliance, and
- Use conformity as a competitive advantage, highlighting it in your rental listings.
Doing so turns a regulatory constraint into a mark of professionalism and reliability protecting both your investment and your tenants.