Letting Agency Fees in Paris: What You Have to Pay in 2026 (and Not a Euro More)

Fees regulated by law

When you rent through an agency, part of its fees can be charged to you. But the ALUR law and its implementing decree regulate them strictly: only four services can be shared between landlord and tenant, and the tenant's share is capped per square metre.

The caps in force in Paris since 1 January 2026

Paris is classified as a very high-demand area (zone très tendue). The caps, including VAT, per square metre of living space, are:

• €12.10/m² for organising viewings, preparing the application file and drafting the lease;
• €3.03/m² for the check-in inventory (état des lieux).

These amounts used to be €12 and €3. They are now indexed to the rent reference index (IRL). The tenant pays the lower of half the fees charged and these caps.

Worked example

For a 40 m² one-bedroom flat in Paris: 40 × 12.10 = €484 for viewings, file and lease, plus 40 × 3.03 = €121.20 for the inventory, so €605.20 at most payable by the tenant. If the agency quotes more, ask for a breakdown.

What the agency cannot charge you

• Drafting or publishing the listing, and any other letting costs.
• Property management fees during the tenancy.
• Separate "application" or "reservation" fees: these are banned.
• An amicable check-out inventory: a lease clause saying otherwise is unfair.

Nothing should be paid before the lease is signed. A request for money to "hold" a property is a classic warning sign: read our article on rental scams in Paris. And for documents you cannot be asked for, see what a landlord is not allowed to request.

Is a property finder the same thing?

No. An agency is appointed by the landlord; a rental search expert like APPARTE works for you, the tenant, for a fixed fee agreed in advance. The two are not mutually exclusive: if the home we find is let through an agency, its capped fees remain payable. We include them in your budget from the start, so there are no surprises. To understand each role, read what an apartment hunter actually does.

Conclusion

Knowing the caps lets you check an agency invoice in ten seconds. Want a complete budget, rent, fees and moving-in costs included, before you start? Book an appointment with APPARTE.

This article provides general information that is up to date at the time of publication. For your specific situation, have your rights checked by a professional (ADIL, lawyer or notary).