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 residential leases to be in paper form. Furnished, commercial and professional leases can all be signed electronically.

Recommended level

The advanced electronic signature (AES) is strongly recommended: lease duration (often 3-6 years), financial stakes, long-term contractual relationship. Two-factor identification (email + SMS OTP) strengthens the evidence in case of a dispute.

Documents to include in the envelope

A complete lease includes:

• the lease itself (standard contract under the law of July 6, 1989 for residential leases)
• the mandatory diagnostics (DPE energy rating, ERP, asbestos, lead, gas, electricity as applicable)
• the information notice (since 2015)
• the entry inventory of fixtures (if done simultaneously)
• the joint guarantee, if any (with a separate signature)

Everything in a single envelope to ensure consistency.

Complete procedure

1. Prepare the lease from your template or industry software (Apimo, Hektor)
2. Gather the required annexes (valid DPE, diagnostics within their validity period)
3. Add the signatories: tenant(s), landlord, guarantor if applicable
4. Send via advanced electronic signature with a defined signing order
5. Track signatures in real time
6. Archive the lease + audit trail for the lease duration + 5 years

Joint guarantee

If a guarantor signs a joint guarantee, they must:

• sign within the same envelope as the lease
• include the handwritten wording required under article 22-1 of the law of July 6, 1989 (maximum amount, duration, commitment)
• be authenticated via advanced electronic signature (strong identification is mandatory for a commitment deed)

Common mistakes

• Sending the lease alone without the diagnostics (invalid)
• Using a simple electronic signature for the guarantor (weak evidence for a commitment of this level)
• Forgetting the information notice
• Failing to retain the audit trail

Commercial lease

Commercial leases (3-6-9 years) can also be signed electronically. Note: three-yearly termination (article L145-4 of the French Commercial Code) requires an extrajudicial act (bailiff) — electronic signature does not apply to it.

Use case: residential lease with a guarantor

A real estate agency manages a Parisian apartment let to a student from the provinces with a parental guarantee. Process:

1. File approved on Tuesday
2. Lease + diagnostics + joint guarantee sent via advanced electronic signature
3. Sequential order: tenant → guarantor → landlord
4. All signed by Wednesday
5. Keys handed over on Thursday

Result: 5 days saved compared to the traditional paper cycle.

How Certyneo helps

Certyneo offers an ALUR/ELAN-compliant lease template, integration with the leading real estate software (Apimo, Hektor, PERISCOPE), advanced electronic signature by default, joint guarantee management within the same envelope, and long-term archiving.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

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

Yes, provided an advanced electronic signature is used and the document is properly retained.

Do the diagnostics need to be up to date?

Yes, their validity period varies (DPE 10 years, up-to-date ERP, asbestos depending on date).

Can the guarantor sign remotely?

Yes, within the same envelope, using an advanced electronic signature.

How long should the lease be kept?

Lease duration + 5 years minimum, 10 years recommended.

Can the inventory of fixtures be done digitally?

Yes, with photos and an on-site advanced electronic signature (tablet).

Conclusion

Signing a lease electronically simplifies the letting process: fewer trips, faster turnaround, stronger evidence. Agencies that have adopted it let properties faster.

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