French Phrase
La caution, c'est un mois de loyer.
Meaning
The sentence states that the security deposit required for a rental property equals one month's rent. It is a factual statement often found in lease agreements.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are negotiating a lease, explaining the terms of a rental contract, or answering a question about how much the deposit will be.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lacaution,c'estunmoisdeloyer.
Definite article (La)
‘La’ is the feminine singular definite article, used because ‘caution’ is a feminine noun.
Noun gender (caution)
‘Caution’ means ‘security deposit’ and is feminine (la caution).
c'est = ce + est
‘c’est’ is the contraction of ‘ce’ (this/that) + ‘est’ (is) and is used for identification or definition.
Indefinite article (un)
‘Un’ introduces a masculine singular noun; ‘mois’ (month) is masculine.
Partitive/possessive ‘de’
‘de’ links the amount (un mois) to what it measures (loyer – rent).
Noun gender (loyer)
‘Loyer’ (rent) is masculine, so the article before it is omitted after ‘de’.
🗨In Conversation
Quel est le montant de la caution ?
What is the amount of the security deposit?
La caution, c'est un mois de loyer.
The security deposit is one month's rent.
✕Common Mistakes
Le caution, c'est un mois de loyer.
‘Caution’ is feminine, so the correct article is ‘la’.
La caution, c'est une mois de loyer.
‘Mois’ is masculine; use ‘un mois’.
La caution, c'est un mois du loyer.
After ‘de’ you do not use the definite article; just ‘de loyer’.
↔Alternatives
Le dépôt de garantie correspond à un mois de loyer.
The security deposit corresponds to one month’s rent.
La garantie locative équivaut à un mois de loyer.
The rental guarantee equals one month’s rent.
Il faut déposer un mois de loyer comme caution.
You have to deposit one month’s rent as a security deposit.
Cultural Tip
In France, the standard security deposit for an unfurnished apartment is one month’s rent, while for a furnished one it can be up to two months. The landlord must return the deposit within two months after the tenant leaves, provided the property is left in good condition.