Furnished rentals in France: required furniture and inventory template
A furnished tenancy in France means more than a property containing a few pieces of furniture. For a main residence, the equipment must let the tenant sleep, eat and live normally. A precise inventory then records what is provided and its condition.
This guide covers French furnished main-residence tenancies, including mobility leases. Holiday lets follow a different framework. Our lease and annexes guide explains where the inventory fits in the contractual file.
1. Check the eleven minimum categories
Decree no. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 (opens in a new tab) establishes the minimum list. Each room must also be furnished for its intended use.
| Required category | Practical check |
|---|---|
| Bedding including a duvet or blanket | Usable sleeping facilities, with items and condition recorded |
| Bedroom window coverings | Suitable shutters, curtains or another blackout arrangement |
| Cooking hob | Check presence and operation |
| Oven or microwave | At least one of these |
| Fridge and freezer, or suitable freezing compartment | The compartment must allow a temperature at or below −6 °C |
| Tableware needed for meals | Quantities suited to the occupants |
| Cooking utensils | Equipment that actually enables cooking |
| Table and seating | Usable, suitable furniture |
| Storage shelves | Record storage provision and condition |
| Lighting | Present in the relevant rooms |
| Appropriate household cleaning equipment | For example, broom and mop or vacuum cleaner depending on flooring |
A washing machine, television or internet connection is not on this minimum list. If supplied as part of the tenancy, still identify it in the lease documents. The official furnished-housing guide (opens in a new tab) explains that insufficient furniture can lead a court to reclassify the tenancy.
Before choosing the contract regime, compare Unfurnished or furnished letting in France: landlord differences.
For temporary occupation, also compare Mobility lease or nine-month student lease in France?.
For equipment supplied with the property, check the specific case: Broken appliances in furnished French rentals: who pays?.
2. Separate the inventory from the property inspection
The inventory lists supplied furniture and objects. The detailed condition record describes them. The property inspection is broader, covering walls, flooring, sanitary fittings, equipment and meter readings. These records complement each other: “equipped kitchen” does not replace a list of dishes and appliances.
Article 25-5 of the French Law of 6 July 1989 (opens in a new tab) provides for a jointly prepared inventory and detailed furniture condition record at key handover and return, signed and annexed to the lease. Prepare them alongside the move-in inspection checklist.
3. Inventory table to copy and complete
Identify the property, lease, date, parties and document reference. For each room, record quantity, description, condition and observations. The following is a teaching extract, to complete with every supplied item and all minimum categories:
| Room | Item and description | Quantity | Move-in condition | Observation / photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Bed and mattress, specify dimensions | 1 set | Describe | Photo reference CH-01 |
| Bedroom | Duvet | 1 | Describe | Also list any supplied linen |
| Kitchen | Dinner plate, specify type | 4 | Describe an existing chip | Photo reference CU-02 |
| Kitchen | Fridge, make and model | 1 | Describe and test | Check freezing compartment |
| Living room | Table and chairs | 1 table, 2 chairs | Describe separately | Identify localised defects |
Avoid automatically writing “good condition” where a defect is visible. A specific observation, such as a scratch on the tabletop, is more useful than a vague rating. The table should reflect actual contents, not a standard marketing list.
4. Add photographs without replacing descriptions
Take an overview followed by useful details: cupboard contents, a chair defect or appliance reference. Link each image to its room and item. Our inspection photography guide explains how to retain context and show defects.
If equipment cannot be tested, record why and that operation remains unchecked. Do not default to “working”. Useful manuals and maintenance instructions can be supplied separately without unnecessary personal information.
5. Record replacements during the tenancy
When an appliance is replaced or furniture removed by agreement, record the item, date, reason and new reference. Do not overwrite the signed original inventory. If the change affects contractual terms, consider whether a lease amendment is needed.
For a breakdown, the inventory primarily establishes presence and reference condition. It does not alone decide who pays. Our rental repairs guide distinguishes maintenance, wear and damage.
6. Compare the contents at departure
At key return, use the same structure to identify missing items and condition differences. Normal wear does not automatically justify charging a new replacement. Read the security deposit deductions guide before turning an observation into a financial claim.
Retain the lease, inventory versions, photos and agreements using our document retention guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sofa bed enough to make the property furnished?
Sleeping provision alone is insufficient. Check all minimum categories and equipment appropriate to each room.
Should dishes and cutlery be counted?
Yes. Actual counts allow comparison and help establish suitable quantities. Group identical objects clearly without hiding pre-existing damage.
Can the signed inventory PDF simply be edited later?
Do not change a signed record without a new trace of agreement. Keep the original and formalise corrections or additions with the relevant parties.
Editorial verification: 29 October 2026. General information about French law; the working template must be completed for the furniture actually supplied.