By Manuel Ravier, student housing expert · Published on 03/09/2026 · Updated on 03/09/2026

The short answer

Visale applies to shared housing (colocation), but in two distinct ways depending on the number of tenants. For a shared rental with two tenants, a single lease containing a joint liability clause is still accepted: both tenants apply for a joint guarantee covering the full rent amount specified in the contract. For more than two tenants, Action Logement no longer grants the guarantee for a single lease; there are no exceptions or waivers available from the landlord. In this case, each tenant must sign an individual lease and submit their own guarantee application for their specific share of the rent. This rule changes the entire application process, and many prospective tenants discover it too late—often after the landlord or agency has already drafted the lease.

Key takeaways

Visale is free for students, work-study trainees, and young people aged 18 to 30, with no income requirements – Source: Action Logement, 2026
As of January 6, 2026, rent caps are divided into three zones: up to €1,940 in the Île-de-France region, €1,575 in major urban areas, and €1,365 elsewhere (including service charges)
For students, specific caps apply by zone: €1,000, €840, and €680, depending on the property's location
The guarantee no longer covers the entire lease term; it is now limited to the first three years of occupancy (i.e., up to 36 monthly payments in the private rental sector)
For shared rentals, a single lease with a joint liability clause is eligible only when there are two tenants. For three or more tenants, only individual leases qualify for the Visale scheme – Source: Action Logement, shared housing fact sheet, 2026.
The Visale visa has a limited validity period prior to lease signing—typically three months—after which a new application is required.

About the author

Manuel Ravier helps students find housing. He has been tracking developments in the Visale scheme since its 2026 reform and answers weekly questions from tenants and landlords on the subject, covering both individual leases and shared housing arrangements.

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