Property insurance in France is a critical component of risk management for owners — whether you’re purchasing a second home, holiday residence, or rental investment. While it is often considered optional for detached homes (maisons individuelles), the reality is more nuanced — especially when the property is rented out or located in a co-ownership structure.

This article explores what’s typically covered, whether insurance is mandatory, and how your coverage should evolve if the property is let to tenants.

1. Is Property Insurance Mandatory in France?

The legal obligation depends on the type of property and how it is used:

• Co-ownership apartments (copropriété): Insurance is mandatory under French law for owners. At a minimum, you must have responsabilité civile (civil liability insurance), which covers damage caused to others (e.g., water leaks into a neighbouring flat).
• Detached houses (individual ownership): Insurance is not legally required but strongly advised. Mortgage lenders will generally require it as a loan condition.

If you rent the property, insurance becomes indirectly obligatory due to liability exposure and tenant protection.

2. What Are the Standard Guarantees in a French Property Insurance Contract?

A typical multirisque habitation (multi-risk home insurance policy) includes the following core guarantees:

Basic Coverages:

• Fire, explosion, water damage (from leaks or burst pipes)
• Storm, hail, snow, natural disasters (subject to official government declaration)
• Glass breakage (windows, doors, skylights)
• Theft and vandalism (with specific security provisions)
• Civil liability (compulsory – covers damage you or your property causes to others)
• Electrical damage (to household appliances due to power surges)
• Rehousing expenses (if the property becomes uninhabitable)

Optional Add-ons:

• Swimming pool cover (equipment, leakage, safety liabilities)
• Outbuilding or annex cover
• Legal protection insurance (for litigation with tenants or neighbours)
• Loss of rent (if the property becomes unusable post-claim)

Each insurer structures its policy differently, so review exclusions and coverage ceilings carefully — especially for high-value items or architect-designed homes.

3. Do You Need to Adjust Insurance When Letting Out the Property?

Yes — the risk profile changes significantly when tenants are introduced. You should notify your insurer immediately and adapt your policy. Two main scenarios apply:

a) Furnished Seasonal Let (Short-Term)

• Considered commercial use — your insurer may offer a tailored habitation locative saisonnière clause.
• Includes damage caused by guests, often up to a certain value.
• If using Airbnb or other platforms, platform insurance is insufficient — you still need your own cover.

b) Long-Term Let (Unfurnished or Furnished 12+ Months)

• Add “Propriétaire Non Occupant” (PNO) coverage — landlord insurance.
• Covers:
  • Your liability as a landlord
  • Damage to the structure not caused by tenant negligence
  • Gaps between tenancies when the property is vacant

If the tenant fails to insure (though it’s mandatory for them), your own PNO policy provides fallback liability protection.

4. What About Tenants’ Obligations?

• Tenant insurance is mandatory in France for all rented properties.
• They must provide proof to the landlord annually.
• Tenants are responsible for damage they cause unless covered by the landlord’s policy under special terms.

5. Summary: What to Do as an International Owner

• Always insure the building (even if not legally required).
• Notify your insurer of rental use (long or short term).
• Ask about loss of rent coverage, especially if income is critical.
• In luxury or historic homes, request a sur-mesure policy that values your property based on replacement cost, not market value.

Final Thought

French property insurance is not just a box to tick — it’s a legal and financial safeguard tailored to how you use your asset. If you’re renting it out, even occasionally, the policy must reflect the reality on the ground. A reputable international insurer or French-based broker with English support is your best ally in getting this right.