Renting accommodation in France involves a number of administrative steps. Let's see together bellow what are the main steps of this process and the supporting documents to prepare:
Step 1: Create a rental file
Step 2: Sign a lease or rental contract
Step 3: Do the entry inventory of fixtures
Step 4: Take out a contract of housing insurance
Step 5: Take out a contract of electricity and/or gas
Step 6: Apply for housing financial assistance (optional)
Step 1: Create a rental file
Before you even start looking for a place to live, we advise you to start gathering the supporting documents you will be asked to provide. Even if you have a complete and solid rental file, there is a strong probability that the landlords or the lessors will ask you to provide proof of a guarantor.
Visit our housing FAQ to find out about the required administrative documents and get tips on how to find your guarantor easily!
Step 2: Sign a lease or rental contract
Once you have found your accommodation and your rental file has been accepted, sign the lease (or rental agreement). This is the document that you and your future landlord/lessor sign in order to define the conditions under which you have the right to occupy the accommodation. Most of the time, the following information appears in the contract:
- The amount of rent and charges
- The amount of the security deposit (la "caution")
- The length of the notice period (in case of early departure)
When you sign your lease, you will be asked to pay the first month's rent and the security deposit. You should therefore have enough money to pay the equivalent of two months' rent at once!
Step 3: Do the entry inventory of fixtures
Once you have signed your lease, you need to do an entry inventory of fixtures of the accommodation with your landlord/lessor before moving in it. This is the moment when you check its general condition and any malfunctions.
If there are any defects, even minor ones, report them to your landlord and have them noted on the document before you sign. This is the same document that will be used as a reference for your exit inventory of fixtures to verify the condition in which you will leave the accommodation.
When reviewing the rooms and their fittings (walls, cupboards, mirrors, toilet flus, hobs, etc.), pay particular attention to every detail!
Step 4: Take out a contract of housing insurance
Whatever type of accommodation you choose to live in, you will be legally obliged to take out a contract of housing insurance covering water damage, fire, theft and vandalism. This insurance covers the premises and their contents (material equipment).
Contact the student mutual insurance company (partner code: 13AMU), the , or your French bank to take out a contract!
Step 5: Take out a contract of electricity and/or gas
- If you are renting your own apartment in the private real estate sector, you will need to take out an electricity and/or gas subscription.
- If you rent a room in a CROUS or private university residence, the price of electricity and gas is usually already included in your rent. Thus, you don't have to take out a contract!
Please note: there are several energy suppliers in France, so don't hesitate to compare the offers!
Step 6: Apply for housing financial assistance (optional)
Students can benefit from the Aide Personnalisée au Logement (APL) by applying directly on the Caisse des Allocations Familiales (CAF) . The amount of this aid varies according to the type of accommodation and rent, as well as student status and income. Test your eligibility with the .
Other complementary financial aids exist, consult our social aid FAQ to learn more!
Want to get an idea of what your global monthly budget will be here? Check out our page on the cost of living in the region!
Any question?