Can Landlords Ban Pets in France? Tenant Rights & French Dog Laws [2026 Guide]

If you are moving to France with a dog, you will be pleased to discover that French law provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the world regarding companion animals.

The French Law of July 9, 1970 (Article 10)

Under Article 10 of the French law n° 70-598 of July 9, 1970, any clause in a residential rental agreement prohibiting a tenant from keeping a domestic companion animal is legally null and void ("réputée non écrite"). This applies to both unfurnished and furnished primary residences across all French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

Even if a landlord writes "No pets allowed" in the lease contract, that clause cannot be legally enforced under French jurisprudence. Landlords cannot evict you, demand additional pet deposits, or refuse contract renewals solely based on your dog's presence.

The Key Exception: Category 1 Attack Dogs

The only legal exception applies to Category 1 restricted attack dogs (dogs resembling Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or Mastiffs without recognized breed pedigrees). Landlords have the legal authority to forbid Category 1 breeds in lease contracts.

Holiday Rentals & Airbnb: A Different Legal Standard

Note that the 1970 protective law strictly covers primary residential leases. In short-term seasonal holiday rentals (meublés de tourisme, Airbnb, and vacation gîtes), property owners are legally allowed to establish their own pet policies and forbid dogs.