Caution

Person (individual or entity) committing to pay rent if the tenant defaults.

Deposit

Sum paid at move-in covering potential damage. Capped at 1 month (unfurnished) or 2 months (furnished).

DPE

Energy performance diagnosis. Grade A (efficient) to G (energy sieve).

DVF

Public real-estate transaction database, France, since 2014.

Rent control

Legal rent cap in certain cities (Paris, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Montpellier).

Guarantor

See Caution. Usually a parent, or a scheme like Visale or GarantMe.

GHG

Greenhouse gas emissions. Grade A to G, separate from DPE.

Notice period

Period to respect before leaving a lease (1 to 3 months by case).

Effort rate

Share of income spent on rent + charges. Above 33%, many agencies refuse.

Visale

Free state-backed guarantor for students, apprentices, young workers, precarious income.