Rentals: what proof? When looking for a tenant, landlords who manage their property themselves (and we can never insist enough on the fact that professionals manage properties better than individual landlords) ask for supporting documents from prospective tenants.
But do you know which supporting documents you are entitled to ask for, and which ones you are not allowed to ask for?

If you have chosen to avoid going through a real estate professional, such as for example a bailiff who can manage your assetsdo not give in to the temptation to ask for too many supporting documents: it is certain that you do not have the right to claim and the law stipulates that the requirement of one or more documents not provided for by the decree is punishable by an fine administrative which can reach, depending on the seriousness of the facts 3.000 € for a private individual (and 15.000 € for a legal entity).(e.g. a non-trading real estate company).

Landlords must, in order to choose their tenants, limit themselves to a list of documents fixed by decree, to the exclusion of any other under penalty of sanction.
This exhaustive list of supporting documents to be provided, both by the tenant and by his or her security deposit, is essential in the case of bare and furnished rental for use as the tenant's main residence. It must be compulsorily respected by landlords who rent from one individual to another as well as by those who use the services of an intermediary.

The list of documents that may be required from a candidate tenant

Decree 2015-1437 sets out the list of documents you can request:

Valid proof of identity, including the holder's photograph and signature

It can be a national identity card, a passport, a driving licence or a document proving the right of residence of the applicant for a foreign rental (residence card). We recommend the identity card, residence card or passport.

Proof of address

For example, you can ask for the last three rental receipts or a certificate from the previous landlord, or his representative, indicating that the tenant is up to date with the payment of his rent and charges.

Documents attesting to the professional activity

You can thus request a certificate from the employer specifying the employment and remuneration, the date of entry into service and, if applicable, the duration of the probationary period.
In the case of a liberal profession, you can request a copy of the professional card or, for a student, the student card or school certificate for the current year.

Documents attesting to resources

This may include the last or penultimate tax or non-tax notice, but also the last three pay slips, proof of payment of various allowances (retirement, pension, benefits, etc.) for the same three-month period, or any other document such as the notice of grant award for scholarship students, proof of other income, etc.

The list of documents that may be required from a guarantor

Distinguish whether the guarantor is a natural or a legal person

In the case of guarantees for natural persons, a valid proof of identity, including the holder's photograph and signature.

These are either a national identity card, a passport, a driving licence or a residence permit. We recommend the identity card or passport.

For sureties for legal entities, 

You have the right to request the original K bis extract of the company or the articles of association if it is less than three months old. Proof of the identity of the representative of the legal entity appearing on the K bis extract or the articles of association may also be requested.

Proof of address

This may include the title deed, the last rent receipt, a water, gas or electricity bill less than three months old, the last property tax notice, etc.

One or more documents attesting to the professional activities

Here again, you can request a certificate from the employer stating the job and remuneration, the date of taking up the job and, if applicable, the duration of the probationary period.
In the case of a liberal profession, you can request a copy of the professional card or, in the case of a student, the student card or school certificate for the current year.

One or more documents attesting to the resources

This may include the last or penultimate tax or non-tax notice, but also the last three pay slips, proof of payment of various allowances (retirement, pension, benefits, etc.) for the same three-month period, or any other document such as the grant award notice for scholarship students, proof of other income (property income, for example).

To avoid boredom: the solution is to entrust a bailiff with the search for your tenants and the management of your property: do not hesitate to consult us on the subject.