Rental property: can you have two guarantors?

Finding a rental property, especially in major cities like Paris, often feels like an uphill battle. With demand far exceeding supply, landlords are increasing their requirements to secure their rental income. Among these safeguards, the joint guarantor remains one of the most common.

But what happens when a landlord asks for not one, but two guarantors? Is this practice legal? What limits does the law impose? These questions frequently arise among rental applicants, particularly young professionals, students, or individuals undergoing a career change.

In this article, we explain in detail the legal framework surrounding multiple guarantors, the situations in which it is permitted or prohibited, and the alternatives available to help you build a strong and reassuring rental application for landlords.

No Legal Limit on the Number of Guarantors

The French law of July 6, 1989, which governs landlord–tenant relationships in France, does not set any limit on the number of guarantors a landlord may require. Contrary to popular belief, there is no legal cap: a landlord may therefore request two, or even three guarantors to secure the rental.

This flexibility is based on the principle of freedom of contract. As a party to the lease agreement, the landlord may define the conditions they consider necessary to protect themselves against unpaid rent. However, this freedom is not absolute and is subject to certain limits, particularly regarding the combination with rent guarantee insurance (GLI).

Joint and Several Guarantee: A Strong Commitment

It is important to remember that a joint and several guarantor assumes a significant commitment. By signing the guarantee agreement, the guarantor agrees to pay the rent and charges in the event of the tenant’s default. This responsibility may extend throughout the entire duration of the lease, and even beyond, if the guarantor has not properly complied with the conditions for terminating their commitment.

When two guarantors are involved, they may be bound either jointly (each responsible for a portion) or jointly and severally (each responsible for the full amount). In practice, landlords generally prefer joint and several liability, as it provides stronger protection.

Securing Rent Payments

The main reason a landlord may request multiple guarantors is to maximize the financial security of their rental investment. In a context where eviction procedures are long and costly, having several solvent individuals who can step in if the tenant defaults provides valuable protection.

This requirement is particularly justified in certain situations:

• Insufficient tenant income: when the tenant does not earn three times the amount of the rent
• Precarious employment situation: fixed-term contract (CDD), temporary work, probation period, newly self-employed
• High rent: in high-demand areas such as Paris, where rent can exceed €1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment
• Tenant profile: student, young professional without rental history, expatriate without French references

A Common Practice in Tight Rental Markets

In major French cities, particularly Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux, requesting two guarantors has become a relatively common practice. Faced with dozens of applications for a single property, landlords can afford to select the strongest profiles.

According to a study by Garantme, nearly 40% of Parisian landlords require at least two guarantors for tenants whose income is below three times the rent amount. This trend is also explained by growing mistrust toward certain public or private guarantee schemes.

Read our article: https://relocation-in-paris.fr/en/blog/how-to-get-a-guarantor-in-paris-the-3-best-solutions-in-2026

Rent guarantee insurance (commonly referred to as GLI) is an insurance policy taken out by a landlord to protect against unpaid rent. If the tenant fails to pay rent or charges, the insurer reimburses the landlord for the amounts due.

This insurance may also include:

• Coverage of legal costs in the event of a dispute with the tenant;
• Coverage for rental damage not covered by the security deposit;
• Sometimes legal assistance or additional protections.

It therefore allows the landlord to secure their rental income and avoid bearing the financial loss alone if the tenant does not pay.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of rent guarantee insurance is calculated as a percentage of the annual rent (including charges). Generally, the rate ranges between approximately 2.5% and 5% of the annual rent, depending on the insurer and the level of coverage chosen.

Example: For a rent of €500 per month, a GLI policy at 3% would cost around €180 per year, or €15 per month.

The cost may vary depending on:

• The amount of rent and charges;
• The tenant’s financial profile (creditworthiness);
• Additional options or coverage (legal management, property damage, etc.).