Finding a new home is an exciting step, but paperwork can sometimes spoil the fun. Among the most concerning topics is the security deposit in coliving—especially if you’re arriving in France or moving out on your own for the first time. In coliving, managing your housing finances is smoother and more transparent than in a traditional rental. Thanks to an individual sublease contract, you know exactly where your money goes, without dealing with the usual friction of traditional leases. What is this money used for? When and how do you get it back? To help you move in with complete confidence, this guide breaks down the exact role of the security deposit and how it fundamentally differs from a guarantor. You’ll discover the key differences between traditional rentals, shared flats, and coliving, as well as the specific payment and refund rules applied in general and by Colivys. Finally, we’ll cover the legal grounds for financial deductions and the best practices to ensure you get your full deposit back when you leave.
Summary
What is a security deposit and what is it used for?
Financial security for your home
The security deposit in coliving is an amount of money collected by the landlord or property manager when you sign your lease agreement. This payment protects the property against any potential breaches on your part during your stay.
Specifically, this amount covers two major risks:
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Unpaid bills: if rent or utility adjustments remain unpaid when you leave, the security deposit will be used to cover the debt.
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Damage: if the furniture, equipment, or surfaces suffer damage beyond normal wear and tear, the security deposit will help the landlord or manager restore the property.
If no issues are found during the move-out inspection, the full amount paid is returned to you. This mechanism encourages tenant responsibility while securing the landlord’s investment.
Security deposit and guarantor: don’t confuse them anymore!
While in everyday language, people often incorrectly use the word ‘deposit’ to refer to the money paid upon moving in, legally speaking, these two terms refer to similar yet distinctly different concepts.
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The security deposit: this is the sum of money you pay directly to the property manager before picking up your keys and starting your stay in your rental.
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The guarantor (or guarantee): this is an individual (a relative, a parent) or a legal entity (such as the Visale guarantee) who agrees in writing to pay your rent and charges on your behalf if you face financial difficulties. In this case, you will often encounter terms like ‘person acting as a guarantor’ or ‘organization acting as a guarantor’.
How does the security deposit work at Colivys?
At Colivys, the rules are clear right from the start. As stated in each sublease agreement, the payment of your security deposit is a condition of your move-in. You must settle this amount along with your first month’s rent before your key handover day (check-in). If your file remains incomplete or payments are missing, your move-in will be postponed.
The amount of the security deposit is calculated upon booking and kept safely throughout your entire stay. Its role is simple: to protect the property, but also to ensure that community living takes place under the best possible material conditions for everyone.
The steps are straightforward and detailed right from the moment you book your coliving room:
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1. Signing the sublease agreement |
2. Payment of the deposit and the 1st month’s rent |
3. Key handover (Check-in) |
Why the security deposit never replaces your last month's rent
Many tenants make this mistake: using their security deposit to pay their last month’s rent. However, French law is very clear on this rule: the security deposit never replaces the final rent payment.
The rent and charges must be paid as usual until the end of the lease agreement. The reason is simple: the security deposit is strictly intended to cover potential damage identified after the tenant leaves. Choosing not to pay your last month’s rent exposes you to financial penalties and delays the processing of your file.
Security deposit: what are the differences between standard rentals, flatshares, and coliving?
Standard rentals and flatshares: the traps of joint liability
Renting a studio on your own or moving into a traditional shared flat often comes with rigid rules. In traditional rentals, the security deposit can equal one month’s rent excluding charges for an unfurnished property, and climb up to two months for a furnished one. While the rule remains simple for a studio, everything gets more complicated in a flatshare.
Most joint leases include a joint and several liability clause. This legal provision binds all occupants together. In practice, if a flatmate leaves overnight without paying their share, or damages their room, the landlord can draw from the overall security deposit. As a result, you risk paying for someone else’s mistakes. Worse still: with a single joint lease, the landlord holds onto the deposit until the very last occupant leaves. This money can remain locked up for months, or even years.
Coliving: an individual contract with no surprises
The coliving model breaks away from traditional rental rules to offer maximum protection for every resident. Coliving operators function similarly, relying on an individual sublease agreement. You sign your own contract, independently of the other people sharing the apartment.
This legal autonomy changes everything when it comes to your security deposit:
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No joint financial liability: you are solely responsible for your rent and your private space. Any unpaid bills or damage caused by other residents (in their private rooms, or if there is direct proof of damage by a specific tenant) will never impact your money.
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A clearly defined scope: your security deposit covers your bedroom, with a defined share allocated to the common areas (living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
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An independent refund process: your move-out directly triggers the refund procedure. You get your money back within legal deadlines once your exit inspection is complete, without having to wait for another coliving member to leave the property.
| Type of rental | Deposit amount | Refund terms |
| Traditional rental | Security deposit equal to 1 month’s rent (unfurnished) and up to 2 months (furnished) | 1 month (if inspection is clear) or 2 months max (if deductions apply) |
| Flatshare | Security deposit shared among flatmates | Same timeline (1 to 2 months), depending on the lease type (joint or individual) |
| Coliving | Security deposit equal to 1 month’s rent | Set by the operator, not regulated in the same way as a standard lease |
Why the security deposit never replaces your last month's rent
Many tenants make this mistake: using their security deposit to pay their last month’s rent. However, French law is very clear on this rule (Article 22 of the Law of July 6, 1989): the security deposit never replaces the final rent payment.
The rent and charges must be paid as usual until the end of the lease agreement. The reason is simple: the security deposit is strictly intended to cover potential damage identified after the tenant leaves. Choosing not to pay your last month’s rent exposes you to financial penalties and delays the processing of your file.
Return of the security deposit
What the law says
Once the keys are returned and the move-out inspection is complete, the countdown begins for your security deposit refund. A few legal rules must still be followed:
| Move-out inspection outcome | Refund deadline* |
| Compliant (clean apartment, no damage) | 1 month |
| Non-compliant (cleaning required, damage, outstanding balance) | 2 months |
No payment can be made before the tenant has completely moved out, returned the keys, and signed the exit document (move-out inspection). If everything is in order, the security deposit amount will be returned to your bank account as quickly as possible.
*These deadlines apply to rentals governed by the Law of July 6, 1989. Not all coliving residences fall under this law.
The unique case of coliving at Colivys
Not all coliving residences fall under the 1989 Law. This is the case at Colivys, where our contracts are tailored to community living and the flexibility of coliving.
Here are the rules that apply to our properties:
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A specific framework: Standard statutory deadlines do not apply.
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Refund timeline: If your move-out inspection is compliant, your security deposit will be refunded within 60 days (or 2 months) from your contract end date.
Security deposit deductions in coliving: when do they apply?
Discovering a deduction from your security deposit refund is never pleasant. To avoid any unwelcome surprises when you leave, here are the specific cases where a deduction from your security deposit is applied.
Unpaid rent, utilities, and financial losses
The primary function of the security deposit remains covering unpaid financial debts at the end of your stay.
Deductions are made in very specific situations:
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Late payments: unpaid rent, utility charges, or penalties remaining when closing your account.
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Expenses advanced on your behalf: costs paid on your behalf during your stay and not reimbursed, such as utility charge provisions.
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Departure outside the contractual framework: terminating your lease without complying with the terms, causing direct financial loss.
Check-out inventory: cleaning and furniture damage
The move-out inspection allows for a comparison between the condition of your home when you arrived and when you leave. Two main factors trigger financial deductions:
First, the cleanliness of the premises. Your room and living space must be returned clean. If additional cleaning is required to restore the property to proper condition, the cost of the necessary cleaning hours is directly deducted from your deposit.
Second, damage to furniture or equipment. Normal wear and tear over time (such as slightly faded paint or a floor worn from foot traffic) does not count as damage. On the other hand, broken furniture, a stained mattress, or a hole in a wall are your responsibility. The repair or replacement costs will then be withheld.
If the total repair costs exceed the initial deposit amount, an additional invoice will be issued to cover the actual expenses.
Our tips for getting your full security deposit back in coliving
Succeeding at your move-in and check-out inventories
The move-in inspection remains your best insurance policy for the future. On your arrival day, take the time to inspect every corner of your room and common areas.
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Take precise photos: document the condition of the walls, furniture, mattress, and electrical appliances.
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Report every detail: a dent on a desk, a scratch on the wooden floor, or a mark on a wall must be written down black on white in the move-in document.
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Keep your proof: save a signed copy of the move-in inspection report in your records.
When you leave, complete a thorough move-out inspection. Refer back to the move-in document and check point by point that everything matches. This joint inspection confirms that the room was well maintained and triggers the refund of your deposit.
Taking care of your room and shared spaces
A property that is well maintained on a daily basis prevents unpleasant surprises on check-out day. Coliving relies on respect for the premises and for community living. It is the responsibility of all tenants to:
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Ensure regular cleaning: don’t wait until the day before your departure to scrub your room. Regular maintenance preserves surfaces and furniture.
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Protect the equipment: use a mattress protector, avoid mounting heavy items on the walls without authorization, and air out your room daily to prevent mold.
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Leave the room spotless: on the day of the move-out inspection, return the room perfectly clean, cleared of all personal belongings, and with the furniture placed back in its original position.
The security deposit in coliving is by no means a financial trap: it is a straightforward tool that secures your stay while encouraging personal responsibility. Thanks to Colivys’ individual lease agreement, you avoid the constraints of traditional leases and the risks of joint liability between flatmates. By taking care of your room and following the move-out steps, you get your money back quickly and with complete peace of mind.
Ready to try the coliving experience without the administrative stress?
FAQ - Everything about the security deposit in coliving with Colivys
"What is the difference between a deposit and a guarantor?"
The guarantor (or guarantee) is the person or entity that acts as a guarantor for you. The security deposit, on the other hand, refers to the sum paid before key handover to cover potential damage.
When do I need to pay the security deposit at Colivys?
Payment must be made before your arrival (check-in), alongside your first month’s rent, to enable the handover of the keys.
What happens if I don't pay the security deposit on time?
Key handover is suspended. At Colivys, payment must be validated prior to move-in to proceed with check-in.
How do I pay my security deposit before my arrival?
Payment is made directly and securely online by credit card or bank transfer from your Colivys client portal.
What does the security deposit cover at Colivys?
The security deposit covers the replacement or repair of damaged furniture, equipment, or coverings in your room and common areas (beyond normal wear and tear). It also covers any reconciliation related to Colivys utility provisions (water, electricity, gas, etc.).
