Location Appartement CDD Template for France

A Location Appartement CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée) is a fixed-term residential rental agreement in France that allows landlords and tenants to establish temporary housing arrangements under specific legal circumstances. Unlike standard three-year leases, this contract type requires valid justification and strict compliance with French rental law to protect both parties' rights.

When do you need this document?

You need a Location Appartement CDD when temporary housing circumstances arise that don't warrant a standard long-term lease. Common situations include temporary work assignments where an employee relocates for a fixed period, student accommodation during academic terms, or when a landlord has confirmed future plans for the property such as sale or major renovations. The contract is also essential when housing seasonal workers or providing temporary accommodation during family transitions like divorce proceedings. French law requires that the temporary nature of the arrangement be clearly justified and documented to validate the use of a fixed-term contract over the standard renewable lease.

Key legal considerations

The contract must clearly specify the exact duration and cannot exceed one year for furnished properties or three years for unfurnished ones, with renewal only possible under the same justified circumstances. You must include detailed property descriptions, precise rental amounts, security deposit terms, and comprehensive obligations for both le bailleur (landlord) and le locataire (tenant). The agreement requires mandatory clauses covering rent payment schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions. Critical legal protections include restrictions on rent increases during the term, mandatory notice periods for non-renewal, and specific procedures for security deposit returns. The contract must also address état des lieux (property condition reports) at both entry and exit, ensuring accurate documentation of the property's condition to prevent disputes.

Legal requirements in France

Under the Loi n° 89-462 du 6 juillet 1989 and subsequent amendments including Loi ALUR, your Location Appartement CDD must comply with strict formatting and content requirements. The contract must be written in French and include mandatory annexes such as energy performance diagnostics and lead risk assessments where applicable. You must respect rent control measures in designated zones and cannot charge fees prohibited under the ALUR law. The Décret n° 2015-587 provides standardized contract templates that help ensure compliance with current regulations. Additionally, the Code Civil Articles 1708-1762 govern general rental obligations, while the Code de la Construction et de l'Habitation establishes habitability and safety standards. Security deposits cannot exceed one month's rent for unfurnished properties or two months for furnished ones, and must be held in accordance with legal requirements for return timelines and interest obligations.