Pets in coliving: what rules do you need to know?

Are you dreaming of moving into a shared space, but can’t bear the thought of leaving your four-legged companion behind? The issue of pets in coliving quickly raises a host of logistical, legal, and personal questions.

Is it legal to bring your dog or cat into a shared apartment? How will your future housemates react? And what policy applies in our residences? In this article, we take a comprehensive look at pet law in furnished rentals, daily life in a shared home, the strict rules enforced at Colivys, and answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Summary

What the law says: your right to have a pet in a rental property

The general principle of furnished rentals

In France, the Law of July 9, 1970 protects tenants: a landlord cannot prohibit the possession of a pet in coliving or in a traditional rental contract. This principle applies to unfurnished and furnished rentals alike. In theory, your landlord cannot include a general prohibition clause for a pet in a flatshare or individual accommodation.

Legally defined exceptions

However, the law sets out very specific limits to maintain the safety and peace of the premises:

  • Category 1 dogs: Landlords have the right to prohibit attack dogs (such as Pitbulls, Mastiffs, Tosa).

  • Property damage: You are legally responsible for any damage caused by your pet to the furniture or common areas.

  • Unreasonable neighborhood noise and disturbance: Repeated, excessive barking or significant hygiene issues constitute legal grounds for lease termination.

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© Pexels - Illustration of a student with her dog

Living in a shared space: essential agreement from housemates

While the legal framework may seem flexible at first glance, the reality of coliving introduces additional requirements. Living in a shared space means sharing communal areas with people who have diverse habits and sensibilities. In this context, bringing a pet into a coliving home cannot be done on a whim and requires total buy-in from the group.

Managing common areas and cleanliness

In a coliving apartment, the living room, kitchen, and hallways belong to everyone. Bringing a pet into a flatshare therefore requires flawless day-to-day organization:

  • Hygiene: Managing pet hair on the sofa, daily litter box cleaning, or wiping muddy paw prints after a rainy walk must be spotless to avoid any conflict.

  • Respecting property and furniture: The furniture and equipment provided in the accommodation must remain in perfect condition for all residents.

  • Peace and quiet in the apartment: A pet that cries or barks while you are at class or work can quickly disrupt your housemates’ peace of mind.

Allergies and phobias: anticipating concerns

Beyond issues of cleanliness, the presence of a dog or cat can pose direct health or well-being concerns for your housemates. A severe allergy to pet hair or a deep-seated phobia makes cohabitation simply impossible.To avoid tensions, it is essential to obtain approval for a pet in coliving from every member of the apartment before taking any steps. If even a single resident expresses reservations, the pet’s presence risks jeopardizing the harmony of the home.

Pets in coliving: how does it work at Colivys?

At Colivys, our priority remains providing a smooth, peaceful, and stress-free living experience for all our residents. To maintain this balance, we enforce a clear rule across our network.

Pet-free accommodation guaranteed

For organizational reasons and collective well-being, no pet approvals are granted in our coliving residences. Even though we love animals, we have chosen to offer pet-free accommodations.

This policy is directly integrated into our coliving house rules. Our teams and property owners ensure a neutral and peaceful living environment, free from disturbances or roommate disputes right from the moment you move in.

Hygiene and peace of mind: preserving harmony for everyone

Colivys coliving space welcomes students and young professionals from France and all over the world. To guarantee consistent cleanliness and spotless spaces, this zero-pet policy simplifies life for everyone:

  • No allergy risks: Every resident moves in with peace of mind, free from fears of allergic reactions or breathing discomfort.

  • Preserved furniture and fittings: Private and shared spaces maintain their original condition for everyone’s comfort.

  • Harmonious cohabitation: No unwanted noise, accidental messes, or tensions linked to a pet’s behavior.

By removing these constraints, we allow everyone to focus on what matters most: enjoying great moments together, meeting new people, and making the most of their stay.

Finding shared housing while keeping your pet remains a real challenge. While French law theoretically protects tenants, the reality of coliving makes prioritizing the well-being of the whole group essential. Between allergy risks, hygiene concerns, and personal fears, having a pet requires full buy-in from everyone in the apartment.

At Colivys, we have chosen to offer guaranteed pet-free housing to provide a smooth, clean, and hassle-free experience. This rule allows every resident—whether a student or a young professional—to move in with peace of mind and fully enjoy the true benefits of coliving: sharing, meeting new people, and an all-inclusive rent, while keeping their privacy.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about pets in coliving

Are pets allowed at Colivys?

No, although we love them, pets are not allowed in Colivys residences in order to ensure the comfort, hygiene, and peace of mind of all residents.

If you absolutely wish to live with your pet, focus your search on a traditional individual lease or a direct roommate agreement. You will need to obtain prior approval from both the landlord and all your future roommates before signing your lease.

Bringing a pet into the residence without approval constitutes a direct breach of the coliving house rules. The individual will face an immediate formal warning and potential sanctions, up to the termination of their lease agreement.

Not all of our accommodations are accessible for people with reduced mobility (PRM): please check with the Colivys teams.

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