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A security deposit in a French commercial lease is not mandatory unless the lease provides for it. However, since Law No. 2026-403 of 26 May 2026, sums paid as security by the tenant may not exceed the amount of rent due for one quarter. Its return at the end of the lease is one of the most frequent sources of litigation.
Read moreThe right to renew a commercial lease is a fundamental aspect of the French commercial lease regime ("statut des baux commerciaux") and remains a frequent source of litigation — particularly concerning the revision of rent.
Read moreUnder French law, a fonds de commerce refers to the bundle of tangible and intangible assets that a trader assembles and organises with the aim of attracting and retaining a customer base. Tangible elements typically include equipment, tools, furnishings, and stock, while intangible elements encompass the clientele, trade name, business signs, and brand identity.
Read moreBy default, under French law, one of the landlord's core obligations in a commercial lease is to bear the cost of major structural repairs. This obligation has evolved significantly following the enactment of the Pinel Law of 18 June 2014, which reinforced the application of Article 606 of the French Civil Code, governing the scope of major repairs chargeable to the landlord.
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