How to Ask About a Security Deposit in French: 'Combien est la caution ?' and Refund Conditions
Learn to ask the deposit amount and understand refund conditions in French with phrases like 'Combien est la caution ?' and 'Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?'.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When renting an apartment or house in a French-speaking area, you will likely need to discuss the security deposit, called la caution in France or le dépôt de garantie in more formal contexts. This lesson teaches you how to ask the amount, when it is returned, and what conditions affect the refund. You will practice key phrases such as Combien est la caution ? and Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ? By the end, you will be able to handle this conversation with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask how much the security deposit is in French.
- ask when and under what conditions the deposit will be refunded.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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Combien est la caution ?
How much is the deposit?
kohn-bee-EN eh lah koh-SYOHN
Standard way to ask the deposit amount. Use 'la caution' in France; in Canada, 'le dépôt de garantie' is more common.
Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?
When is the deposit refunded?
kahn es-kuh lah koh-SYOHN eh ruhm-boor-SAY
Ask this to find out the refund timeline. In France, the legal maximum is two months after you return the keys for unfurnished rentals; for furnished rentals it is one month.
La caution est remboursée sous quelles conditions ?
Under what conditions is the deposit refunded?
lah koh-SYOHN eh ruhm-boor-SAY soo kel kohn-dee-SYOHN
Use this to learn about deductions, such as damage or unpaid rent.
Est-ce que la caution est remboursable ?
Is the deposit refundable?
es-kuh lah koh-SYOHN eh ruhm-boor-SAH-bluh
A yes/no question to confirm if you will get the deposit back at all.
Le dépôt de garantie est de combien ?
How much is the security deposit?
luh day-POH duh gah-rahn-TEE eh duh kohn-BYEN
More formal term used in contracts and in Canada. Use this in written communication.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about the deposit amount, use 'Combien est la caution ?' or 'Combien est le dépôt de garantie ?'. The pattern is 'Combien est + [article] + [noun] ?'. For refund conditions, use 'La caution est remboursée sous quelles conditions ?' or 'Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?'. Note that 'caution' is feminine, so use 'la caution' and 'remboursée' with an extra 'e'. For example: 'La caution est remboursée dans deux mois.'
When to use it
Use 'la caution' in everyday spoken French in France. In Canada and in formal contracts, 'le dépôt de garantie' is preferred. When asking about refunds, be polite by starting with 'Excusez-moi, ' or 'Pourriez-vous me dire...'. For instance: 'Excusez-moi, quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?' This softens the request. If you are unsure about conditions, ask: 'Quelles sont les conditions pour le remboursement de la caution ?'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je voudrais louer l'appartement. Combien est la caution ?
Hello, I would like to rent the apartment. How much is the deposit?bohn-ZHOOR, zhuh voo-DREH loo-AY lah-pahr-tuh-MAHN. kohn-bee-EN eh lah koh-SYOHNLa caution est de 500 euros. Elle est remboursée sous conditions.
The deposit is 500 euros. It is refunded under conditions.lah koh-SYOHN eh duh sink SAHN-tuh uh-ROH. el eh ruhm-boor-SAY soo kohn-dee-SYOHNQuand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?
When is the deposit refunded?kahn es-kuh lah koh-SYOHN eh ruhm-boor-SAYElle est remboursée dans un mois, si l'appartement est propre.
It is refunded in one month, if the apartment is clean.el eh ruhm-boor-SAY dahnz uhn MWAH, see lah-pahr-tuh-MAHN eh PROH-pruhA little context goes a long way
In France, the security deposit for an unfurnished rental is legally capped at one month's rent, and for furnished rentals it can be up to two months' rent. The landlord must return it within two months after the tenant returns the keys for unfurnished rentals, and within one month for furnished rentals. In Canada, especially Quebec, the term 'dépôt de garantie' is used, and the refund timeline may differ. Always ask for the conditions in writing.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Combien est la caution ?' with 'caution' as masculine, saying 'le caution'.
Try this instead: 'Caution' is feminine, so say 'la caution'. For example: 'La caution est de 500 euros.' If you use 'dépôt de garantie', that is masculine: 'Le dépôt de garantie est de 500 euros.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'How much is the deposit?' in French using the common term?
Show a sample answer
Combien est la caution ?
This is the standard phrase. You could also say 'Combien est le dépôt de garantie ?' in more formal contexts.
2Translate: 'When is the deposit refunded?'
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Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?
This uses the question form with 'est-ce que'. Alternatively, you can ask 'Quand la caution est-elle remboursée ?' with inversion.
3What is the more formal term for security deposit used in contracts and in Canada?
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Le dépôt de garantie
This term is preferred in written French and in Canadian French. 'La caution' is more common in everyday spoken French in France.
Use 'Combien est la caution ?' to ask the deposit amount, and 'Quand est-ce que la caution est remboursée ?' to ask about refund timing. Remember that 'caution' is feminine, and in Canada, 'dépôt de garantie' is more common.
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