Preventing squatters from occupying a property in France requires landlords and property owners to combine several preventive measures: securing access points, monitoring the property regularly, minimizing vacancy periods and keeping proof of ownership readily available. Squatting refers to unlawful occupation by individuals who enter a property without permission or legal entitlement under circumstances defined by French law. It must be distinguished from a former tenant remaining in the property after their lease has ended, as different legal procedures apply. To reduce the risk of squatting, property owners can reinforce doors and windows, install alarm or remote monitoring systems, arrange regular property inspections and avoid visible signs of prolonged vacancy, such as accumulated mail. Renting out an apartment can also help minimize periods when the property is unoccupied while generating rental income. In the event of squatting, Article 38 of the French DALO Law provides an accelerated administrative procedure allowing eligible property owners to request the eviction of unlawful occupants through the prefect. The owner must generally file a complaint, establish their legal rights to the property, have the unlawful occupation officially recorded and submit an eviction request to the prefect, who normally has 48 hours to decide. If the administrative procedure is unavailable, court proceedings may be necessary. Property owners must never attempt to forcibly remove occupants themselves. Appropriate insurance may cover certain types of damage or expenses associated with unlawful occupation, depending on the policy's guarantees and exclusions. Effective prevention therefore involves physical security, regular monitoring, proper rental management and swift action in the event of an intrusion. Since 1999, Lodgis has supported landlords with renting out their properties in Paris and major French cities, offering rental valuations, tenant searches, property viewings, rental agreements and tailored property management services.
Squatting is a major concern for property owners, particularly when an apartment or house remains unoccupied for an extended period. Unlawful occupation can lead to property damage, financial losses and complicated procedures to recover possession of the property.
How can you prevent squatters from occupying your property? What precautions should you take to protect a vacant apartment, and how should you respond if squatters move in? Several measures can help reduce the risks, including securing access points, monitoring your property regularly and avoiding prolonged vacancy periods.
Specializing in furnished rentals and rental property management since 1999, Lodgis supports landlords with renting out their properties. By helping property owners find tenants and offering services tailored to each project, Lodgis helps minimize vacancy periods and preserve the profitability of their real estate investments.
Discover the preventive measures, legal remedies and best practices that can help protect your property against squatting in France.
Squatting refers to the unlawful occupation of a residential property or other premises without the permission of its owner or lawful occupant, under circumstances defined by French law. French legislation provides several legal remedies to protect people affected by this type of intrusion.
In particular, Article 38 of the French DALO Law establishes an accelerated administrative procedure that may allow the eviction of unlawful occupants under certain conditions. This procedure can apply to a primary residence, a second home or a vacant residential property.
To benefit from this procedure, the property owner must generally:
The prefect normally has 48 hours to decide on the request. If formal notice to leave is issued, the minimum period granted to the occupants depends on the nature of the property: at least 24 hours for a home qualifying as a domicile under French law and at least seven days in other applicable cases, subject to the relevant legal provisions.
It is therefore essential to be able to prove ownership and the property's intended use, even when it is not occupied on a daily basis.
For detailed information about the applicable procedures, consult the official French government guidance on squatting.
Properties that appear to have been unoccupied for an extended period may be particularly vulnerable to attempted intrusions.
Situations that may attract the attention of squatters include:
Property owners' vigilance and appropriate security measures therefore play an essential role in preventing squatting.
Securing your property is one of the most important preventive measures against unlawful occupation. Effective protection combines physical security with equipment capable of detecting an intrusion quickly.
Doors and windows are the main access points that should be protected.
Installing reinforced doors, certified locks or anti-burglary devices can help discourage intrusions. Particular attention should be paid to easily accessible openings, especially on the ground floor.
Improving access security is a preventive investment that should be considered in relation to the potential financial and material consequences of unlawful occupation.
Security equipment can effectively complement physical protection measures.
An alarm connected to a remote monitoring service allows property owners to be notified quickly of an attempted intrusion. Connected cameras, when installed in compliance with applicable privacy and security regulations, can also facilitate remote monitoring and help preserve useful evidence in the event of an incident.
Some systems allow owners to receive notifications, view live footage or monitor access to their property.
A property that is clearly unoccupied may attract individuals looking to move in unlawfully.
Several signs can reveal an extended absence, including accumulated mail, shutters that remain permanently closed, an unmaintained garden or a complete lack of activity.
To reduce these risks, consider arranging:
In apartment buildings, maintaining good relationships with neighbors can also make it easier to detect unusual activity quickly.
A property left vacant for an extended period may be more exposed to attempted unlawful occupation. Renting out your apartment can therefore help minimize periods of vacancy while generating rental income.
Furnished rentals, particularly those aimed at students, professionals relocating for work or companies, can meet a wide range of housing needs while helping owners make the most of their real estate assets.
To optimize this approach, it is essential to find reliable tenants quickly, review rental applications carefully and establish a legally appropriate rental agreement.
Some organizations also offer temporary occupation arrangements for vacant buildings, particularly while awaiting renovation work, a sale or another property project. However, these arrangements must be supported by an appropriate contractual framework.
Since 1999, Lodgis has supported property owners with renting out their accommodation in Paris and major French cities.
Thanks to its expertise in furnished rentals and its network of French and international prospective tenants, Lodgis helps you market your property and find suitable tenants.
Depending on the package selected, you can benefit from:
By reducing rental vacancy periods, you can limit your property's exposure to squatting risks while optimizing your rental income.
A standard home insurance policy does not necessarily cover all damage and expenses resulting from unlawful occupation.
Before choosing insurance coverage, it is important to review the risks covered, exclusions and compensation limits carefully.
Certain insurance policies may provide:
It is important to compare policies according to the property's characteristics, its usual occupancy status and any expected vacancy period.
When unlawful occupation is discovered, it is essential to act quickly and follow the procedures established by French law.
The property owner should gather evidence supporting their rights to the property and contact the relevant authorities.
Several circumstances may suggest that a property is being unlawfully occupied:
These circumstances should be reported to the authorities so that the situation can be officially documented and the appropriate legal procedure identified.
The applicable procedure depends on the circumstances in which the occupants entered the property and the property's legal status.
When the requirements of Article 38 of the French DALO Law are met, an administrative eviction request may be submitted to the prefect.
The property owner must generally file a complaint, establish their legal rights to the property and have the unlawful occupation officially recorded.
Property owners must never attempt to forcibly evict squatters themselves. Taking action outside the legally established procedures can expose owners to legal proceedings.
When the accelerated administrative procedure is not available, court proceedings may be necessary.
It is important to distinguish between someone who entered a property unlawfully and a tenant who refuses to leave after their rental agreement has ended.
In the second situation, the individual initially entered the property with lawful occupancy rights. The accelerated administrative procedure intended for squatting cases therefore does not apply in the same way.
If no amicable agreement can be reached, the landlord must initiate the judicial proceedings appropriate to the situation. Depending on the circumstances, these may include formal notice, bringing the case before a court and, following an enforceable court decision, issuing an order to vacate the premises.
The legally required steps and any applicable deadlines must be respected.
A properly drafted rental agreement and carefully preserved rental documents can help support legal action in the event of a dispute.
Consulting a real estate professional or a lawyer specializing in property law can also help clarify the procedures.
Preventing squatting requires regular monitoring of the property as well as careful management of administrative documents.
Keeping proof of ownership, rental agreements, invoices and documents establishing how the property is used can facilitate dealings with the relevant authorities.
For a property intended for rental, it is also advisable to minimize periods of vacancy between tenants whenever possible.
Regular monitoring, legally compliant rental arrangements and professional property management can all help strengthen protection.
No method can guarantee complete protection against squatting. However, several precautions can significantly reduce the risks.
Securing access points, monitoring the property regularly and keeping it in good condition are essential preventive measures.
In the event of unlawful occupation, property owners should act quickly and follow the appropriate administrative or judicial procedures.
To protect your property investment effectively, it is advisable to combine several complementary measures:
Renting out your property is also a way to reduce the amount of time it remains unoccupied.
With Lodgis, you benefit from professional assistance to find tenants, organize the rental of your apartment and, depending on your chosen package, manage the property on a daily basis.
This helps protect your property investment while limiting the risks associated with prolonged vacancies.
Are you the owner of a furnished rental property? Benefit from Lodgis' exptertise as a specialist in furnished rentals and rental management... starting at 3.9% including taxes!
Do you want to list your property on our website? Post your listing right now, it is FREE and NON-EXCLUSIVE!
List your propertyDo you want to learn more about our rental offers and management starting at 3.9% including taxes? Our expert agents are at your disposal!
Contact us +33 1 70 39 11 07
Our advice on furnished rentals in Paris.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Aix en Provence.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Bordeaux.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Grenoble.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Lille.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Lyon.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Montpellier.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Nantes.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Strasbourg.
Our advice on furnished rentals in Toulouse.