A landlord renting out their apartment for the first time often encounters a gap between the expected applications and the actual applications received. With the new expectations of nomadic tenants, the recent extension of rent controls, and the increased requirements regarding the energy performance certificate (DPE), renting out a property in 2026 is no longer managed in the same way as it was three years ago.
Renting and digital nomadic tenants: adapting the lease to new uses
We are seeing more and more rental candidates who work remotely, change cities every six months, and seek furnished accommodation with fiber internet, a workspace, and flexibility regarding the lease duration. This profile of digital nomadic tenant changes the game for landlords.
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The mobility lease (1 to 10 months, without a security deposit) partially meets this demand. Furnished rentals have also seen an increase in the average lease duration since 2025 compared to unfurnished rentals, giving landlords more leeway to adjust rents without the strict ceilings of an unfurnished lease.
A furnished property with fiber and a workspace rents out faster than a standard empty apartment in metropolitan areas. You can check the available listings on the site justeimmo.fr to compare the types of properties that find tenants quickly in this segment.
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To attract these profiles, it is recommended to focus on three points in the listing: mention the internet speed, specify the size of the workspace, and clearly indicate the type of lease offered. A digital nomad filtering listings will not stop at a vague description.
Extended rent control in 2026: check your area before setting the price
Since January 2026, rent control applies to 25 new urban areas in France. A landlord who sets a rent without checking if they are affected risks facing increased fines. The government online tool allows you to check the reference rent for each address.
Checking your rent control area before any rental is no longer a precaution; it is a requirement. Many landlords discover the issue only after signing, when the tenant disputes the amount.
What rent control changes in practice
In controlled areas, the increased reference rent constitutes the ceiling. An additional rent is still possible, but only for exceptional characteristics of the property (large terrace, remarkable view, high-end amenities). The mere presence of an elevator or parking is not enough to justify an additional rent.
For landlords who practiced free rents, the transition sometimes requires a decrease. It is better to anticipate this correction than to face it during a dispute before the departmental conciliation commission.
Energy performance of rental housing: the DPE as a profitability lever
The DPE class of the property directly influences rental management. Properties classified DPE A or B experience fewer unpaid rents than less efficient housing. Tenants sensitive to energy efficiency are more willing to accept a slightly higher rent when heating costs remain low.
Feedback varies on the return on investment period for insulation work, but the trend is clear: an energy-intensive property classified F or G loses attractiveness and generates more rental vacancy.
Prioritize work that changes the DPE class
- Insulating attics and exterior walls can shift most properties by one to two classes, for a controlled cost compared to a complete renovation.
- Replacing an old gas boiler with a heat pump improves the rating and reduces costs, which strengthens the rental argument in the listing.
- Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) with double flow, often overlooked, contributes to comfort and the DPE rating without heavy structural work.
Renovation is not done for the sake of principle: we target the areas that elevate the property above the energy decency threshold and that concretely improve rental profitability.
Tenant selection and securing the file: what really protects
Tenant selection remains the point where mistakes are the most costly. A well-assembled file guarantees nothing if the consistency of the documents is not verified.
- Compare the net taxable income on the tax notice with the pay slips provided. A discrepancy of more than a few hundred euros should raise a red flag.
- Call the employer to confirm the employment contract, especially for fixed-term contracts or ongoing trial periods.
- Systematically request a guarantor or take out a rent guarantee insurance (GLI). The GLI covers unpaid rents, damages, and legal fees, which avoids months of costly procedures.
- Check that the tenant has home insurance before handing over the keys. This is a legal obligation, but it is rarely checked upon entry.
Inventory: the detail that avoids disputes
A hastily done inventory in five minutes opens the door to all disputes when the tenant leaves. Photograph each room, each piece of equipment, and every existing mark. The document must be signed by both parties and attached to the lease with dated photos.
Mobile inventory applications allow you to generate a timestamped and structured document. A handwritten paper format does not hold up against a conciliation commission.
Renting out a property in 2026 relies on three concrete decisions: adapting the lease to the targeted tenant profile, complying with the new rent control constraints, and investing in the energy performance of the housing. A landlord who masters these three areas reduces their rental vacancy and secures their income in the long term.