Unpaid rent, damage, empty apartment: what changes with guaranteed rent

Four questions come up in nearly every conversation with an owner considering guaranteed rent. Here they are, with direct answers — no detours, and no promises we couldn’t keep.

What happens if my tenant stops paying?

With a standard lease signed directly with an occupant, unpaid rent triggers a recovery procedure — potentially a long one, with an uncertain outcome. It is the fear owners cite most often, and it is a legitimate one.

With guaranteed rent, it is no longer your concern: your sole point of contact remains the operator, who pays you the agreed rent every month whatever happens with the end occupant. We detail the difference from a standard unpaid-rent insurance policy (GLI) — which compensates after the fact — in our comparison unpaid-rent insurance or guaranteed rent.

What if the apartment is returned damaged?

The contract between you and the operator provides for restoration to the property’s move-in condition, documented at the time of signing. In practice, you never have to negotiate directly a disagreement over the move-in/move-out inspection with each occupant who succeeds one another in the apartment — the operator bears that responsibility.

What if my apartment stays empty for several weeks?

This is the most concrete difference from a standard rental. A month without an occupant is expensive: missed rent, but also co-ownership (condominium) charges, property tax and the mortgage that keep running — we detail this calculation in our article on rental vacancy in Paris. With guaranteed rent, this risk changes sides: the agreed amount is paid every month, whether or not the property is occupied at any given moment.

Can I get my apartment back if I change my mind?

Yes, but under the conditions set in the contract signed at the outset, with a notice period defined in advance. It is a point to check carefully before signing — commitment periods and exit terms vary from one operator to another, and deserve to be read attentively rather than skimmed. Our guide to guaranteed rent in Paris details the points to demand from your counterparty before committing.

One last question, and not the least: what about how the property is used?

Many owners also ask whether their apartment risks being turned into a short-term tourist rental without their being informed. At Belvie, the answer is no: the model relies on professionals on assignment, occupants for several weeks or months — never by the night.

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized legal advice. The precise terms (deadlines, notice periods, conditions of restoration) vary depending on the contract and the operator.