How to find the right tenant?

You have the final say, but be wary of being discriminatory

As landlord of a property for furnished or unfurnished rent you have the choice as to your tenant. Your choice needs to be made within objective criteria, such as the financial solvency of the tenant. It is important to steer clear of any prejudices which could lead you to discriminating against a particular candidate, as this is punishable by law.*

For your information, here are criteria to avoid when choosing a tenant for your apartment: origin, surname, physical appearance, sex, family status, health status, handicap, lifestyle/morals, sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, age, political opinions, pregnancy, union activities, true or alleged affiliation or non-affiliation to an ethnic group, a nation, a race, or a religion.

What documents to ask from a potential tenant to prove their financial solvency?

As a future landlord of a furnished apartment it is normal to have to ask for proof of identity and financial solvency from a potential tenant in order to determine whether or not to rent them the property. Some abusive practices have been denounced relating to the letting of unfurnished properties. A list of documents that landlords must not demand from potential tenants has thus been compiled and largely distributed – notably by HALDE (High Authority to Combat Discrimination and Promote Equality).

Even though this list is not imperative in the case of furnished rentals it is still advised to consult it as it can only serve to better your relation with your tenant.
You may ask for:

• Piece of identification (national identity card, passport, residency permit)
• Last three paychecks, along with that of December
• Last tax notice
• Work contract
• Maximum of two statements from self-employed individual
• Rent receipt
• Bank guarantee or other guarantor

• Passport photos other than from the piece of identification
• Social security card
• Bank statement or postal account statement
• Testimonial of good bank account management
• Certificate of no existing loan agreements
• An authorisation of direct debit
• A testimonial the candidate has supporting documents from the previous landlord
• A testimonial from the candidates employer if the candidate has provided a work contract and last three pay checks
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate
• A check as deposit for the property
• A medical file
• A criminal record
• More than two statements from self-employed individuals
• A copy of the information held in the national file of repayments of loans to individuals or the non-affiliation with this file

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