For some tenants, the security deposit can reach several hundred euros and complicate settling into a new home. Fortunately, assistance from Caf exists to advance this money free of charge.
Moving is expensive. Between agency fees, first rent and insurance, the budget climbs quickly. In the middle of all this slips the security deposit, requested by the owner when signing the lease. This sum, generally equivalent to one month’s rent excluding charges, must be paid immediately.
In practice, this money remains tied up for the entire duration of the rental, sometimes for several years, before being returned after the exit inventory if no repairs are necessary. For a tenant who changes accommodation, the situation can even become delicate. The security deposit for the previous accommodation is often only returned after departure, while the new owner already requires that of the next accommodation. Fortunately, some housing assistance exists.
Like this solution designed precisely for this situation. In fact, a system makes it possible to finance the security deposit at the time of entry into the premises, in the form of a refundable advance. The tenant does not have to pay interest or fees to benefit from it. This operation makes it possible to avoid immediately mobilizing the entire amount required when signing the lease.
This is the Loca-Pass advance, which mainly concerns two categories of tenants. On the one hand, employees of companies in the non-agricultural private sector, on the other, young people under 30, whether they are already working or in the professional integration phase. In both cases, the objective is to facilitate access to housing at a time when installation costs are highest. The amount granted corresponds to the security deposit requested by the owner, up to a limit of 1,200 euros.
The amount can then be repaid over a maximum period of 25 months, allowing the cost to be spread over time. To be eligible, the accommodation must be located in France and constitute the tenant’s main residence. The system therefore does not concern short-term rentals or second homes.
