Unfurnished Tenancy Agreement Template in Word: Complete 2024 Guide

Are you looking for an unfurnished tenancy agreement template in Word to secure your rental? Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, a well-drafted tenancy agreement is essential to avoid disputes and clarify the rights and obligations of each party. In this article, we explain how to obtain a reliable template, which clauses to include, and how to adapt it to your situation in full compliance with the law.

Why Use an Unfurnished Tenancy Agreement Template in Word?

An unfurnished tenancy agreement, also known as an "empty rental" contract, governs the rental of a property without furniture. Unlike a furnished tenancy, it is subject to specific rules, particularly regarding duration, notice periods, and the security deposit. Using a Word template offers several advantages:

• Time-saving: A pre-filled template saves you from starting from scratch and guides you through the drafting process.
• Legal security: A structured document compliant with current regulations minimises the risk of omissions or errors.
• Easy customisation: The Word format allows you to adjust clauses according to your needs while respecting the legal framework.
• Accessibility: You can modify, save, and print it at any time.

Where to Find a Reliable Template?

Several sources offer free or paid unfurnished tenancy agreement templates in Word. Here’s where to look:

• Official websites: Some public bodies or consumer associations provide templates compliant with regulations.
• Legal platforms: Websites specialising in property law offer downloadable contracts, often accompanied by explanations.
• Legal professionals: A notary or solicitor can provide a personalised template tailored to your situation.

⚠️ Warning: Always ensure the template complies with the latest legal developments. An outdated agreement may lead to complications in the event of a dispute.

Essential Clauses in an Unfurnished Tenancy Agreement

An unfurnished tenancy agreement must include several mandatory details to be valid. Here are the key elements not to overlook:

1. Information About the Parties

The contract must clearly identify:

• The landlord: Full name, address, and contact details. If the landlord is a company, state its registered name and address.
• The tenant: Full name, address, and contact details. If multiple tenants sign the agreement, each must be listed.
• The rented property: Full address, habitable surface area (Loi Carrez for co-owned properties), number of rooms, floor, and any outbuildings (cellar, parking space, etc.).

2. Duration of the Tenancy

For unfurnished rentals, the minimum tenancy duration is generally three years if the landlord is an individual and six years if it is a company. The tenancy may be tacitly renewed unless either party gives notice within the legal timeframes.

• Tenant’s notice: The tenant may leave the property at any time, subject to a three-month notice period (reduced to one month in certain high-demand areas or in cases of professional relocation).
• Landlord’s notice: The landlord may only give notice at the end of the tenancy, with a six-month notice period, and only for specific reasons (repossession for personal use, sale of the property, or a legitimate and serious reason).

3. Rent and Service Charges

The agreement must specify:

• Rent amount: State the monthly amount, payment date, and method of payment (bank transfer, cheque, etc.).
• Rent review: If the rent is subject to review, specify the reference index (usually the IRL, Indice de Référence des Loyers) and the review date.
• Service charges: Indicate whether charges are fixed or provisional (with annual reconciliation). List recoverable charges (water, electricity for common areas, garden maintenance, etc.).

4. Security Deposit

The landlord may request a security deposit, the amount of which may not exceed one month’s rent excluding charges for an unfurnished rental. This deposit must be returned to the tenant within a maximum of two months after handing over the keys, minus any deductions for necessary repairs.

5. Obligations of the Landlord and Tenant

The agreement must outline the main obligations of each party:

• Landlord’s obligations:

  • Provide a decent property in good condition.
  • Carry out major repairs (roof, heating, plumbing, etc.).
  • Ensure the tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the property.

• Tenant’s obligations:

  • Pay rent and service charges on the agreed dates.
  • Maintain the property and carry out minor repairs (replacing light bulbs, floor maintenance, etc.).
  • Not alter the property without the landlord’s written consent.
  • Take out home insurance covering rental risks.

6. Specific Clauses

Certain clauses may be added to clarify particular points:

• Joint and several liability clause: If multiple tenants sign the agreement, this clause makes them jointly responsible for rent and service charge payments.
• Termination clause: Allows the landlord to terminate the agreement in the event of tenant default (unpaid rent, nuisance, etc.).
• House-sharing clause: If the property is let to multiple tenants, specify the applicable rules (charge allocation, departure of a tenant, etc.).
• Indexation clause: If the rent is indexed to the IRL, state this explicitly.

⚠️ To avoid: Unfair or illegal clauses, such as prohibiting the tenant from hosting guests or requiring insurance from a specific provider.

How to Customise Your Word Tenancy Agreement Template

Once you have downloaded your template, follow these steps to adapt it to your situation:

1. Verify Mandatory Details

Ensure all required information is included (parties’ identities, property description, rent, charges, etc.). An omission could render the agreement void or incomplete.

2. Adapt Clauses to Your Situation

• Tenancy duration: If you wish to specify a duration different from the legal minimum, state this clearly (e.g., a one-year tenancy for student accommodation).
• Rent and charges: Indicate whether the rent is subject to review and by which index. For charges, detail the calculation method (fixed or provisional).
• Security deposit: Ensure its amount complies with the legal limit.

3. Add Annexes if Necessary

Certain documents must be attached to the agreement to be valid:

• Inventory of condition: Mandatory and must be carried out at the start and end of the tenancy. An inventory template can also be downloaded in Word format.
• Technical surveys: Attach mandatory surveys (energy performance, natural and technological risk assessment, etc.).
• Co-ownership rules: If the property is part of a co-owned building, the tenant must receive a copy.

4. Have the Agreement Reviewed by a Professional

If you have any doubts about a clause or the agreement’s compliance, consult a notary, solicitor, or consumer association. A review can prevent costly errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with an Unfurnished Tenancy Agreement

Drafting an unfurnished tenancy agreement may seem straightforward, but certain mistakes are frequent and can have serious consequences:

1. Omitting Mandatory Details

An incomplete agreement may be deemed void. For example, the absence of a precise property description or rent amount may lead to disputes. Always verify that all required information is included.

2. Including Illegal Clauses

Certain clauses are prohibited by law, such as:

• Prohibiting the tenant from hosting guests.
• Requiring the tenant to take out insurance with a specific provider.
• Automatic termination of the agreement for late payment without a notice period.

3. Failing to Comply with Notice Periods

Notice periods for termination are strict. A landlord who gives notice with a three-month period instead of six risks having the notice invalidated. Similarly, a tenant who leaves without respecting the notice period may be liable for additional rent payments.

4. Neglecting the Inventory of Condition

An incomplete or missing inventory can make it difficult to return the security deposit. Take the time to describe the property’s condition accurately at the start and end of the tenancy.

5. Not Updating the Agreement

If regulations change (e.g., rules on rent reviews), remember to update your agreement. An outdated template may lead to complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unfurnished tenancy agreement?

An unfurnished tenancy agreement is a contract governing the rental of an empty property, i.e., without furniture. It is subject to specific rules, particularly regarding duration (minimum three years for an individual landlord), notice periods, and the security deposit. Unlike a furnished tenancy, it offers greater stability for the tenant.

Where can I download a free unfurnished tenancy agreement template in Word?

You can find free unfurnished tenancy agreement templates in Word on official websites (such as those of consumer associations), specialised legal platforms, or from legal professionals (notaries, solicitors). Ensure the template complies with the latest legal developments.

What are the landlord’s obligations in an unfurnished rental?

The landlord has several obligations, including:

• Providing a decent property in good condition.
• Carrying out major repairs (roof, heating, plumbing, etc.).
• Ensuring the tenant’s peaceful enjoyment of the property (no nuisance, respect for the tenant’s privacy).
• Providing mandatory surveys (energy performance, natural risk assessment, etc.).

What are the tenant’s obligations in an unfurnished rental?

The tenant must:

• Pay rent and service charges on the agreed dates.
• Maintain the property and carry out minor repairs (replacing light bulbs, floor maintenance, etc.).
• Not alter the property without the landlord’s written consent.
• Take out home insurance covering rental risks.
• Respect neighbourly conduct and not disturb the peace of other occupants.

How do I terminate an unfurnished tenancy agreement?

• For the tenant: They may give notice at any time, subject to a three-month notice period (reduced to one month in certain high-demand areas or in cases of professional relocation). Notice must be sent by recorded delivery with acknowledgement of receipt or handed over in person against a signature.
• For the landlord: They may only give notice at the end of the tenancy, with a six-month notice period, and only for specific reasons (repossession for personal use, sale of the property, or a legitimate and serious reason). Notice must also be sent by recorded delivery with acknowledgement of receipt.