Electronic signature of a rental lease

Can a lease be signed electronically?

Yes, without any restriction. The ALUR (2014) and ELAN (2018) laws do not require a paper form for residential leases. Furnished, commercial and professional leases can all be signed electronically.

Recommended level

Advanced signature (AES) is strongly recommended: lease duration (often 3-6 years), financial stakes, long-term contractual relationship. Dual-factor authentication (email + OTP SMS) secures proof in case of dispute.

Documents to include in the envelope

A complete lease includes:

• the lease itself (standard contract under the law of 6 July 1989 for residential property)

• mandatory diagnostics (EPC, ERP, asbestos, lead, gas, electricity as applicable)

• information notice (since 2015)

• entry inventory (if done simultaneously)

• any joint and several guarantor (with separate signature)

Everything in a single envelope to ensure consistency.

Complete procedure

• Prepare the lease from your template or business software (Apimo, Hektor)

• Gather mandatory annexes (valid EPC, diagnostics with current validity)

• Add signatories: tenant(s), landlord, potential joint and several guarantor

• Send in AES with defined signing order

• Monitor signatures in real time

• Archive the lease + audit trail for the duration + 5 years

Joint and several guarantor

If a guarantor signs as joint and several guarantor, they must:

• sign in the same envelope as the lease

• include the handwritten mention of article 22-1 of the law of 6 July 1989 (maximum amount, duration, commitment)

• be authenticated in AES (strong identification mandatory for an act of commitment)

Common mistakes

• Sending the lease alone without diagnostics (invalid)

• Using SES for the guarantor (weak proof for a commitment of this level)

• Forgetting the information notice

• Failing to keep the audit trail

Commercial lease

The commercial lease (3-6-9 years) can also be signed electronically. Warning: triennial termination (article L145-4 Commercial Code) requires an extrajudicial act (bailiff) — electronic signature does not apply to it.

Use case: residential lease with guarantor

A property management agency manages a Parisian apartment assigned to a provincial student with parental guarantee. Journey:

• File validated Tuesday

• Sending in AES of lease + diagnostics + joint and several guarantor

• Sequential order: tenant → guarantor → landlord

• All signed Wednesday

• Key handover Thursday

Benefit: 5 days faster than the traditional paper cycle.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo offers an ALUR/ELAN-compliant lease template, integration with major property management software (Apimo, Hektor, PERISCOPE), AES signature by default, joint and several guarantor management in the same envelope, long-term archiving.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

Does an electronic lease have the same value as a paper lease?

Yes, provided it is signed in advanced form and properly preserved.

Must diagnostics be up to date?

Yes, their validity period varies (EPC 10 years, ERP current, asbestos depending on date).

Can the guarantor sign remotely?

Yes, in the same envelope, in AES.

How long should the lease be kept?

Lease duration + 5 years minimum, 10 years recommended.

Can an inventory be dematerialised?

Yes, with photos and AES signature on site (tablet).

Conclusion

Signing a lease electronically simplifies letting: fewer trips, faster process, enhanced proof. Agencies that have adopted it let properties faster.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and monitor your documents online simply, quickly and securely.