Whether you’re moving to France, investing in rental property or buying a second home, one question often arises : who is responsible for home insurance—the tenant or the landlord ?
The answer depends on the type of property, how it is occupied and French legal requirements. Understanding each party’s responsibilities is essential to avoid disputes and ensure the property is properly protected.
Here’s what expatriates, non-residents and international property owners need to know.
Is home insurance mandatory for tenants ?
In most cases, yes.
French law generally requires tenants renting a property as their main residence to take out home insurance covering rental risks.
This minimum level of cover usually protects against damage caused by:
- Fire ;
- Explosion ;
- Water damage.
The landlord may request an insurance certificate when the tenant moves in and can ask for updated proof of insurance each year.
If the tenant fails to provide this certificate, the landlord may have legal remedies, including arranging insurance on the tenant’s behalf and recovering the cost under certain conditions.
What does the tenant’s insurance cover ?
A standard tenant insurance policy generally includes much more than the legal minimum.
Most multi-risk home insurance policies also provide :
- Civil liability ;
- Protection for personal belongings ;
- Theft and vandalism ;
- Storm damage ;
- Legal assistance ;
- Emergency services.
However, the tenant’s insurance mainly protects the tenant’s responsibility and personal possessions—not the landlord’s financial interests.
Does the landlord also need insurance ?
Absolutely.
Although the tenant is responsible for insuring rental risks, landlords should also maintain their own insurance policy.
The most common solution is Landlord Non-Occupant Insurance (PNO – Propriétaire Non Occupant).
This type of policy protects the owner when :
- The property is vacant ;
- Tenant insurance is insufficient ;
- Structural damage occurs ;
- The landlord’s liability is engaged ;
- Damage affects neighbouring properties or common areas.
For expatriates managing a property from abroad, PNO insurance is considered essential.
Who pays if damage occurs ?
Responsibility depends on the cause of the incident.
For example:
- If the tenant accidentally starts a fire, the tenant’s insurance will generally respond;
- If damage results from a structural defect in the building, the landlord’s insurance may apply;
- If responsibility is shared, several insurers may become involved.
French insurers regularly cooperate to determine liability and settle claims between the different parties.
What happens if the property is vacant ?
When there is no tenant in the property, tenant insurance no longer applies.
During these vacancy periods, only the landlord’s insurance remains in force.
This is particularly important between two rental agreements or when the owner lives abroad and the property remains empty for several months.
Without suitable landlord insurance, the owner may have no protection if a claim occurs.
What about furnished and holiday rentals ?
Insurance arrangements can vary depending on the type of rental.
For furnished rentals, the landlord’s furniture and appliances should also be protected.
For seasonal or holiday rentals, standard tenant insurance often does not apply.
The landlord should ensure the policy specifically covers short-term rental activity and any associated risks.
Example
Laura lives in Canada and owns an apartment in Paris that she rents on a long-term basis.
Her tenant has home insurance covering rental risks.
Between tenants, however, a water pipe bursts while the apartment is empty.
Because Laura has Landlord Non-Occupant (PNO) insurance, the repairs are covered during the vacancy period.
Without this additional protection, she would have been responsible for the repair costs herself.
Common mistakes to avoid
One of the most common misconceptions is believing that only the tenant needs insurance.
In reality, both parties have different responsibilities.
Landlords should also avoid assuming that tenant insurance protects the building at all times, particularly when the property is vacant.
Finally, both landlords and tenants should review their insurance regularly to ensure it reflects the actual use of the property.
Conclusion
In France, tenants and landlords each play an important role in protecting a rented property. While tenants are generally required to insure against rental risks, landlords also need appropriate insurance to protect their property, liability and investment.
For expatriates and non-residents, having the right combination of tenant and landlord insurance provides complete peace of mind and ensures continuous protection throughout the life of the property.
At France Protect Insurance, we help expatriates, non-residents, landlords and tenants understand their insurance obligations in France. Our independent advisors compare leading home insurance policies to ensure every property is properly protected, whether you live in France or abroad.