Anyone looking to rent in France soon finds that without a complete application file (dossier de location) you often won't even get a viewing. At the same time, many are reluctant to send ID, payslips and tax notices to strangers – rightly so, as identity theft using rental documents does happen. That is exactly why the French state created DossierFacile.
What DossierFacile is
- A free, official service of the housing ministry at dossierfacile.logement.gouv.fr
- You upload your documents, which are checked for completeness by staff
- Each document gets a digital watermark (“for rental application only”) so it can't be misused
- You receive a link or PDF to send to landlords and agencies
- Landlords can also create an account and communicate directly with applicants
The watermark is also available on its own: the state service Filigrane Facile lets you mark any document before sending it.
Which documents a landlord may request
The list is set by law. One document from each of these areas is allowed:
- Identity: ID card or passport
- Current address: the last three rent receipts, a certificate from your host or the last property tax notice
- Professional situation: employment contract or employer's certificate, student card, trade register extract for the self-employed
- Income: the last or penultimate tax notice, the last three payslips, accounts for the self-employed, pension or grant notices
The same list applies to a guarantor (garant). If you have not yet paid tax in France, you may submit the equivalent foreign tax notice.
What a landlord may not request
- Bank statements
- Photographs (other than the ID photo)
- Health insurance card (carte Vitale)
- Credit reports or certificates that previous rent was paid on time
- A reservation cheque or deposit before the contract is signed
Anyone requesting prohibited documents risks a fine of up to €3,000 (individuals) or €15,000 (companies).
Our tips for a strong application
- Create your dossier before you start searching – good flats are often gone within a day
- Add a short covering letter in French: who you are, why you are moving, how long you plan to stay
- Landlords usually expect income of around three times the rent including charges. If you don't reach that or have no French guarantor, a guarantee organisation can help (see Renting without a French guarantor)
The different lease types are explained in Rental agreements in France at a glance.
All information without guarantee, as of November 2026. It is for general guidance only and does not replace legal or tax advice.
