As a French person, I was surprised reading this, because as far as I know there are limits on what can be asked for here and extra months of rent upfront isn't a normal request. Check the official rules on deposits and what a landlord may ask for before you pay anything, and if it's not allowed, a calm email quoting the rule is usually enough. You shouldn't have to choose between the flat and your principles.
Mariam Khoury 💬 Contributor
3 Sept 2026, 14:50
I'm moving out of my first flat in Lyon and found a place I really like. The agent was friendly until he saw my nationality on the documents, and then the conversation changed. The landlord now wants several months of rent upfront "because of the risk", on top of the normal deposit, even though I have a permanent contract and the salary they ask for.
I can technically pay it, but it feels wrong, and I'm not sure whether this is legal, normal, or both. I don't want to lose the flat by making a fuss, and I also don't want to accept something that the next foreigner will be asked for as well.
Has anyone been asked for this? Did you pay, negotiate, or walk away?