Comparison between Mobility Leases and Other Types of Leases

The mobility lease, introduced by the 2018 ELAN law, stands out for its flexibility and short duration. But how does it compare with other existing lease types, such as the furnished lease, the empty lease, or the student lease? This article offers a detailed comparison to help landlords choose the lease best suited to their situation.

The mobility lease is designed for a short term, from 1 to 10 months, with no possibility of renewal. This differentiates it from the classic furnished lease, which has a minimum term of one year, tacitly renewable, or the empty-rental lease, which has a minimum term of three years. The student lease, on the other hand, has a fixed, non-renewable term of 9 months, but is restricted to students.

The mobility lease is specifically aimed at tenants in temporary situations, such as students on work placements, workers on assignment, or people undergoing vocational training. The furnished lease, although often used by tenants with similar needs, does not impose these conditions, making it more flexible in terms of tenant profile. The empty lease, with its longer duration, is generally aimed at tenants seeking residential stability.

Mobility leases offer tenants great flexibility, enabling them to leave the property without any particular notice period, whereas a furnished lease requires one month's notice and an empty lease three months. The student lease, on the other hand, offers little flexibility, since its duration is fixed. On the other hand, the mobility lease requires less red tape, which can be an advantage for landlords wishing to avoid complex procedures.

As far as rent is concerned, the mobility lease follows the same rules as other furnished leases, with a possible framework in certain tense areas. However, unlike furnished leases, mobility leases cannot include a security deposit, which is an important specificity. Empty and furnished leases, on the other hand, allow you to request a security deposit equivalent to one month's or two months' rent respectively.

As with other types of lease, an inventory of fixtures and fittings is mandatory for a mobility lease. However, given the short duration of the lease, it is all the more important to draw up a precise inventory of the furniture and equipment provided, in order to limit the risk of disputes. This step is also crucial for furnished leases, although other types of leases (empty lease, student lease) only require a standard inventory of fixtures.

Mobility leases are automatically terminated at the end of the agreed period, with no further formalities required. This is not the case for furnished leases, which are tacitly renewed if neither party gives notice within the agreed period. Empty leases, on the other hand, are renewed for three-year periods, offering the tenant greater stability. Student leases, similar to mobility leases, end automatically at the end of the 9-month period.

The breakdown of charges is similar between mobility leases and furnished leases, where recoverable rental charges are payable by the tenant. For empty leases, charges can be either flat-rate or actual, depending on agreements between the landlord and tenant. Student leases follow the same rules as furnished leases, but with simplified management of charges due to the short duration of the lease.

Each type of lease has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the needs of the landlord and tenant. The mobility lease stands out for its flexibility and simplicity, but is limited by its short duration and the tenant's eligibility requirements. Furnished leases offer greater freedom and duration, while empty leases guarantee longer-term stability, but with greater constraints. The choice of lease type therefore depends on the owner's specific situation, rental objectives and tenant profile.