Monaco Law 887: rental eligibility and documents

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Found an apartment advertised under Monaco Law 887? Before preparing your application, check both the property's legal status and whether you fall within an eligible tenant category. This guide explains the main requirements, documents and steps.

Illustration of older Monaco façades with a key and rental application folder in the foreground

Which apartments fall under Law 887?

Law No. 887 of 25 June 1970 applies to certain residential premises within the categories defined in Articles 1 and 2. It is often associated with Monaco's older buildings, but it does not cover every apartment built before 1947. An address, building age or previous listing is insufficient: ask for confirmation of the property's legal status.

Law 887 and Law 1.235 have different tenant eligibility, rent and administrative rules. Being eligible under Law 887 does not automatically qualify you for a Law 1.235 apartment.

Who is eligible to rent?

Article 3 provides four categories:

Specified relatives: certain ascendants or descendants of the owner or the owner's spouse, civil-life partner or cohabitation-contract partner, together with spouses or such partners of those ascendants or descendants. The exact relationship must meet the statutory wording.
Monegasque nationals.
People domiciled in Monaco for at least five years and working professionally in Monaco for more than six months. Both conditions apply.
People who have worked in Monaco for at least five years. Article 3 does not impose a separate five-year Monaco residence requirement on this category.

For example, a person living in France who has worked in Monaco for six years may qualify under the fourth category, subject to supporting evidence. A newcomer starting a job in Monaco does not qualify on that fact alone. Rental eligibility and residence permit formalities are separate matters.

Lease length and rent

The owner must grant a six-year lease which the tenant alone can terminate annually. Check the contract and applicable rules for the required notice method and relevant anniversary date. Do not automatically apply the three-month notice rule found in Law 1.235.

The initial rent is freely agreed between the parties. The lease may include an indexation clause, so examine its wording, index and revision mechanism before signing. Freedom to agree the initial rent does not allow the owner to increase it arbitrarily or at any time. Also review service charges, the security deposit and other contractual costs.

Documents to prepare

Your evidence should establish the category relied upon. The Housing Department's guidance includes:

Monegasque nationality: a nationality certificate issued by the Town Hall.
Family relationship: proof of the relevant relationship; where a legally recognised partnership or cohabitation arrangement is involved, the corresponding documents.
Five years of residence plus more than six months of work: a residence certificate issued by the Public Security Department within the past three months, together with professional activity evidence.
Five years of work in Monaco: evidence establishing that period of professional activity.

The exact file depends on your circumstances. Additional documents may be needed to establish the legal conditions and assess your application. Prepare these before agreeing a move-in date.

Steps for the landlord

Declare the vacancy: the official procedure specifies an eight-day deadline.
Check the applicant's category and gather the supporting documents.
Submit the prior rental declaration to the Housing Department, or the appropriate declaration for occupation free of charge.
Complete the administrative stage: Sovereign Ordinance No. 4.621 provides for a registration receipt within ten days of submission, or a reasoned refusal if the conditions are not met.

These declarations are not published in the Journal de Monaco, unlike the usual offer procedure under Law 1.235. Confirm the file and timetable with the agency before occupation begins.

Frequently asked questions

Must I have lived in Monaco for five years?

Not necessarily. There are several categories. Five years of employment in Monaco is a separate route from the category combining five years of residence with more than six months of work.

Can the owner choose any tenant because the rent is freely agreed?

No. Freedom to agree the initial rent does not remove Article 3's eligibility restrictions.

Does buying the apartment remove Law 887 restrictions?

A sale does not, by itself, remove the property's restrictions. Before buying, have its legal status, existing lease and options for occupation or letting checked. Buying property does not grant a residence permit.

Discuss your plans with Monaco Properties

Looking to rent, let or buy an apartment under Law 887? Monaco Properties can help identify the property's regime, review the eligibility requirements and organise the supporting file. Tell us about your plans and your residence or employment history so we can focus on suitable properties.

Contact Monaco Properties · +377 97 97 33 97

Read our guide to Monaco Law 1235