Article 1745 in particular discusses the responsibilities of the owner and the occupant. Study the terms of these legal documents before signing a lease. All tenants are bound to the terms of these laws unless the terms of the lease are modified or the state allows modification for an exceptional reason. Habitability is a word to which students attatch significant meaning. It is the landlord's legal obligation to provide a healthy and safe environment in which to live.
Most landlords require that a security deposit accompany the signing of the lease.
Security deposits usually equal one month's rent and cannot exceed two months' rent. The general purpose of the deposit should be stated in the lease. Usually, the deposit is used in the event of a tenant's breach of lease and pays for losses suffered by the landlord. The landlord will therefore be protected if residents cause any undue damages or fail to submit payments in full. The landlord may legally apply the security deposit to any damages which the property has suffered as well as to the payment of overdue rent or late fees.