Impact of the Mobility Lease on rental management

Mobility leases, while attractive to landlords and tenants in temporary situations, pose particular challenges in terms of rental management. This type of lease, with its short duration and specific features, can have a significant impact on the day-to-day management of a property. This article explores these impacts and proposes solutions for effective rental management.

One of the most obvious impacts of the mobility lease is the increase in tenant turnover. With contracts lasting up to 10 months, landlords have to be prepared to manage frequent moves in and out, which can require more time and resources for inventories, cleaning and refurbishment. This can also lead to higher management costs, both for the owner and for the syndic responsible for managing the common areas.

Each time a new tenant moves in, an inventory of fixtures and fittings must be drawn up on arrival and departure, as well as a precise inventory of the equipment provided. These procedures, which can be managed by the owner or delegated to an agency, are essential to avoid disputes. The short duration of the lease means that management must be even more rigorous, or risk incurring financial losses in the event of damage not covered by insurance.

Due to the temporary nature of mobility leases, some tenants may be less attentive to the condition of the property, increasing the risk of damage. The landlord must therefore ensure that the property is well maintained between each rental, and budget for any repairs. The absence of a security deposit for mobility leases, unlike other types of leases, reinforces the need to take out appropriate insurance to cover these risks.

To attract temporary tenants, landlords may need to adjust their rental marketing strategy. This may include the use of specialized platforms, highlighting the property's assets for a specific clientele (proximity to transport, training centers, etc.), and flexibility on visiting arrangements. The owner must also be reactive in managing requests and visits, to minimize rental vacancy periods.

The management of rental charges can be more complex with a mobility lease, due to frequent turnover. The landlord must ensure that charges are correctly distributed among the various tenants, and that provisions for charges are adjusted in line with actual consumption. This task can be delegated to a property manager or real estate agency, but requires particular vigilance to avoid errors or disputes with tenants.

The rapid turnover of tenants can sometimes cause tension within the co-ownership, particularly if new arrivals do not respect the rules of communal living. Landlords must therefore inform their tenants and make them aware of the rules of co-ownership. It is also advisable to maintain regular communication with the management board to anticipate and resolve any problems, and to maintain good relations within the building.

As a furnished lease, the mobility lease enables the owner to benefit from the LMNP (Loueur en Meublé Non Professionnel) tax regime, which can offer attractive tax advantages. However, short rental periods can make it difficult to depreciate furniture and equipment. It is therefore advisable to consult a chartered accountant to optimize the tax management of rental income from a mobility lease, and ensure compliance with current legislation.

The mobility lease offers an interesting opportunity for owners wishing to diversify their rental strategies, but it also requires more rigorous and reactive management. The challenges of increasing turnover, managing inventories of fixtures and fittings, and dealing with other co-owners all require adequate preparation and, often, the use of professionals to ensure smooth, profitable rental management. With the right organization, owners can take full advantage of this type of lease, while minimizing the associated risks.