Property Rental Jargon Guide

Understand the property jargon and terminology when renting in France...

French property rental advertisements typically do not state the number and type of rooms (example: sitting room, 3 bed, 2 bath), rather the total number of rooms (excluding kitchen and bathrooms).

For example: a "maison 4 pièces" probably has four rooms in total (plus kitchen and bathroom)
Example: F2 (appartement deux-pièces) is a one-bedroom house
Example: T2 (appartement deux-pièces) is a one-bedroom apartment

Generally "T" denotes rooms of an apartment and "F" those of a house (F).

*immobilier*	real estate agency
*immeuble*	building or residence
*logement vide*	unfurnished rental or property
*logement meublé*	furnished rental or property
*ancien*	built more than 20 years ago
*récent*	built in the last decade
*neuf*	all-new construction
*en bon état*	in good repair
*nombre de pieces*	total number of rooms including reception and bedrooms
*cuisine americaine*	open-plan kitchen/living area (American kitchen)
*salle de bain*	bathroom
*salle d'eau*	washroom with shower
*douche*	shower cubicle
*chambre*	bedroom
*jardin*	garden
*état des lieux*	condition report
*concierge/gardien*	superintendent
*honoraires d'agence*	agency fees
*dépot de garantie*	rental deposit
*loyer*	rent
*charges locatives*	monthly fees for collective amenities
*assurance habitation*	home insurance
*préavis*	notice of intent to vacate premises
pièces	rooms
*salon*	lounge/sitting room

Related Information

For information on all aspects of renting accommodation from the French Government: Click here (in French)
For an example of a rental contract: Click here (in French)
ANIL (Agence National pour l'Information sur le Logement)

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