Is the joint-and-several clause mandatory in a shared tenancy?

No, but it is strongly recommended: without it, the landlord can only claim each co-tenant’s own share, which weakens recovery if someone stops paying.

Single lease or one lease per co-tenant?

A single lease with a joint-and-several clause is the simplest and most protective for the landlord. Multiple leases isolate each co-tenant but make management heavier.

Shared tenancy: single lease, joint-and-several clause and notice

Updated on July 12, 2026 · 6 min read

A shared tenancy lets several tenants rent one home together. For the landlord, the key issue is payment security: depending on the lease format and whether a clause de solidarité (joint-and-several clause) is included, one co-tenant’s arrears may or may not be claimed from the others. Here is how to structure a solid shared tenancy.

Single lease or multiple leases

Two set-ups exist. The single lease puts all co-tenants on one contract: it is the most common and the most protective for the landlord. Multiple leases (one contract per co-tenant, each for their room) isolate each situation but complicate management and the way charges are split.

The joint-and-several clause

In a single lease, a clause de solidarité (joint-and-several clause) makes each co-tenant liable for the whole rent and charges: if one fails to pay, the landlord can claim the full amount from the others. Without it, each is liable only for their share — far riskier for the landlord.

One co-tenant giving notice

A co-tenant can give notice alone, respecting their notice period, without ending the lease for the others. With a joint-and-several clause, however, the departing co-tenant remains jointly liable until a replacement moves in, and for at most six months after the end of their notice period.

Security deposit and insurance

The security deposit is usually a single one for the whole tenancy, and it is returned when the last co-tenant leaves (or at each replacement, depending on the agreed arrangement). Each co-tenant must also provide proof of home insurance covering the risques locatifs (rental risks).

Frequently asked questions

Is the joint-and-several clause mandatory in a shared tenancy?: No, but it is strongly recommended: without it, the landlord can only claim each co-tenant’s own share, which weakens recovery if someone stops paying.
Does a co-tenant who leaves stay liable?: With a joint-and-several clause, yes: until a replacement moves in, and for at most six months after the end of their notice period. After that, they are released even without a replacement.
Single lease or one lease per co-tenant?: A single lease with a joint-and-several clause is the simplest and most protective for the landlord. Multiple leases isolate each co-tenant but make management heavier.