French Phrase
Et la caution ?
Meaning
A brief, informal way to ask a landlord or roommate about the security deposit that is required for a rental. It literally translates to “And the deposit?” and is often used after discussing rent or other terms.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual spoken French when you’re negotiating a lease, confirming the total cost of moving in, or when you’ve just heard the rent amount and want to know the extra amount needed for the security deposit.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Etlacaution?
Et (conjunction)
Used to add a question or item to a previous statement, similar to 'and' in English.
la (definite article)
Feminine singular article that agrees with the noun 'caution'.
caution (noun)
In everyday French it means a security deposit, especially in rental agreements.
Question mark
Rises intonation at the end of the sentence; the whole phrase is a short, informal query.
🗨In Conversation
Le loyer, c’est 850 €, et la caution ?
The rent is €850, and the deposit?
C’est un mois de loyer, donc 850 €.
It’s one month’s rent, so €850.
✕Common Mistakes
Et la cautionner ?
‘Cautionner’ is a verb meaning ‘to guarantee’ and is not used for a security deposit.
Et caution ?
Dropping the article makes the phrase sound incomplete; you need ‘la’ before ‘caution’.
Et la caution, c’est quoi ?
In formal contexts, ‘dépôt de garantie’ is preferred over ‘caution’.
↔Alternatives
Qu’en est‑il de la caution ?
What about the deposit?
Et le dépôt de garantie ?
And the security deposit?
Quel est le montant de la caution ?
What is the amount of the deposit?
Cultural Tip
In France the security deposit (la caution or le dépôt de garantie) is usually limited to one month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment and two months for a furnished one. It must be returned within two months after the lease ends, provided the property is left in good condition. When speaking formally, especially in written contracts, use “le dépôt de garantie”. In everyday conversation, “la caution” is perfectly natural.