To equip a furnished rental in France, choose a fridge with a freezer, or one with a compartment whose documentation states that it can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below. This is the requirement set out in Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, which Légifrance lists as in force on 5 October 2026. A compact model may suit a narrow kitchen if it meets this requirement. A fridge-freezer gives you a separate space for frozen food, provided its dimensions and capacity are right for the property.
You need to fit the appliance into a limited space without overlooking the freezing facility required for a furnished rental. Check the stated temperature for the compartment on the model you are considering.
You need fridge and freezer capacities that suit the expected number of occupants and their shopping habits, while taking the available space into account.
Start by checking the existing space: the dimensions of the housing, any door-panel fixing, door opening and ventilation must all match the instructions for the new model.
Consider this: for a small kitchen, if the documentation confirms that the compartment can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below.
Bear in mind: the space for frozen food depends on the capacity of this compartment; a small internal door alone does not confirm that it meets the requirement.
Consider this: if several occupants or regular frozen-food shopping call for a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacities of both compartments separately, and make sure the model’s dimensions suit the kitchen.
Whichever type you choose, check the freezing facility and installation requirements first. Then match the capacity, noise level and energy consumption to how the appliance will be used.
| Feature | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing | A freezer, or documented evidence that the freezer compartment can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below. | I want to provide the required cold-storage equipment without relying on the appearance of a small compartment alone; around 25% of landlord consumers rank this requirement as a priority. |
| Installation | Appliance and access dimensions; for an integrated model, check the housing, door-panel fixing and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | In a fitted kitchen, I need a replacement that can actually be installed; around 31% of landlord consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Capacity | Usable fridge and freezer capacity in litres, considered separately and matched to the number of occupants and their likely shopping habits. | If several people will live in the property or store frozen food, I want to make sure there is enough room for them; around 25% of landlord consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Declared dB(A) and kWh/year figures, compared between appliances of a similar type and capacity. | When the kitchen opens onto the living space, I pay as much attention to noise as to stated energy consumption; around 19% of landlord consumers put these factors first. |
UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, then a further 50 L for each additional person. This is a useful guide, not a capacity requirement for furnished rentals: how often people shop and how much space they need for frozen food also matter.
In France, if the fridge does not come with a separate freezer, Decree No. 2015-981 requires a compartment that can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below. You cannot tell whether it meets the requirement just by looking at it.
Check the instructions or product information for the exact model before choosing a compact fridge.
Compatible external height or width does not guarantee that the appliance will fit the housing, door panel or door opening.
Measure the space and delivery access, then check the housing, fixings and clearances against the model’s instructions.
The rating on its own tells you neither the appliance’s capacity nor how noisy it is. The European Commission says the label can also provide information about noise emissions.
Compare kWh/year, capacity and dB(A) between models of a similar type and capacity.
The capacities recommended by UFC-Que Choisir can help you choose for a household; Decree No. 2015-981 does not set a litre capacity per occupant.
Start with the expected number of occupants, then adjust the capacity to suit their shopping habits, frozen-food storage and the available space.
The French range includes freestanding and integrated fridges, with a choice of freezer configurations.
The range distinguishes between freestanding and integrated appliances, which is useful when fitting out an existing kitchen.
The fridge-freezer range includes both freestanding and integrated models.
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers to consider based on capacity and the space available.
These fridge-freezers cater for fresh and frozen food, with both freestanding and integrated formats available. Before choosing one for a furnished rental, check the freezing documentation for the exact model and make sure it will fit the kitchen. For an integrated model, you’ll also need to check the housing and ventilation.
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Worth considering for a property where occupants need separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The model name states a capacity of 390 L and a C energy rating; check its dimensions and required clearances before choosing this freestanding format.
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Worth comparing if the property needs separate fridge and freezer compartments. The model name states a capacity of 390 L and an E energy rating; check the space available, door opening and ventilation requirements in the instructions.
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Worth looking at for a fitted kitchen with housing designed for a fridge-freezer. The model name states a capacity of 252 L, No Frost and a C energy rating; check the housing dimensions, door-panel fixing and ventilation requirements against the instructions before choosing this integrated model.
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Worth considering if you need a more modest capacity and have enough height available. The model name states a capacity of 174 L, a height of 150 cm, a 4-star freezer and an E energy rating; check the other dimensions and the energy label details before comparing its installation requirements and energy consumption.
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Worth comparing for a kitchen where the available width influences your choice of fridge-freezer. The model name states a fridge capacity of 153 L, a freezer capacity of 74 L, a width of 54 cm and an E energy rating; check the full dimensions and kWh/year on the product information before deciding.
No, not if it also lacks the required freezer compartment. In France, Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 requires a fridge and a freezer, or a fridge with a compartment that can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below. Check this feature in the documentation for the exact model.
No. Decree No. 2015-981 sets out the cold-storage equipment and temperature requirement, but does not specify a usable capacity per occupant. The capacities recommended by UFC-Que Choisir are guidelines that you can adapt to the expected number of occupants, their shopping habits and how much frozen food they need to store.
Yes, as long as the kitchen layout allows you to install the chosen freestanding model properly. Measure the space and access, then check the door opening and ventilation clearances specified in the instructions; the dimensions of the old integrated model alone do not confirm that the new one will fit.
Compare the kWh/year figures, compartment capacities and noise level in dB(A), taking the energy rating and appliance type into account. For a useful comparison, look at models with similar capacities. The label’s QR code may also give you access to information about the model in the European EPREL database.