Finding accommodation in France especially in Paris is a real battle as it is costly. The first thing you need to do is determining your budget and learning all the required administrative procedures before your arrival to France. Start looking as soon as possible in order to not waste time.
How to find accommodation?
Sometimes, you might find it difficult to find rental accommodation in France, especially in the big cities like Paris, Lyon or Marseille. So we recommend you to start looking a couple months before your arrival, and even reserve temporarily until you find your official home.
If you have the student status (student card), you can apply for accommodation in a student residence in the city where you’re studying. All you have to do is make some researches about the available student residences in the city, for example in Lokaviz. Do not wait until your arrival to France to ask!
The accommodation lease
Before moving in, you must sign a mandatory lease - a rental contract- with the owner of the lodging or with their legal representative such as an estate agent or the administration of the residence. This lease represents a proof of your location of residence and it establishes the different conditions for the rental: duration, amount of rent and utility charges and terms of renewal or cancellation of the lease.
The housing market in France has some special features and conditions that you should be aware of once you have decided on renting the place:
- First is the “état des lieux” (inventory of fixtures) which is always done just before you move in, and after you move out. The main goal is to inspect the condition of the apartment or the room for any damage.
- Second is the “caution” (deposit) which is a month’s rent given in advance before you move in and returned entirely once you move out if you haven’t damaged the place.
- Third is a “guarantor” in France who is a person who commits to paying your rent in case you’re not able to. Having a guarantor is a MUST for estate agents and student residences in order to make sure the rent will be paid.
- Last not but least, before you sign the accommodation lease, you will have to prove that you have the necessary resources to pay your rent monthly.
Comprehensive household insurance
Before signing an accommodation lease, you will always be asked to provide a Comprehensive household insurance. This insurance is mandatory and it covers damages that your home may suffer in case of theft, water or fire damage. Contact your chosen insurance company in order to obtain coverage and inform them about the day you’re moving in your place.
Signing up for electricity and natural gas
Once the accommodation lease is signed, you will have to sign-up fees for electricity and natural gas. The estate agent or the student residence will give you the contact of the provider with whom you will have to get in touch as soon as you move into the accommodation..
Housing assistance
Depending on your income and the type of accommodation you have, you may have the right to a housing benefit called the "allocation de logement sociale" (social housing benefit). Make sure you visit the website of the the Caisse d’allocations familiales (Family assistance fund) and do a simulation.
