Steps to prepare your file before signing the lease:
Gather mandatory documents
Gather optional documents
Find a guarantor
💡Tips: there is a lot of demand and little supply on the real estate market in France, especially in big cities. It is recommended to provide a complete file to the owner once the visit is complete.
1. Mandatory documents for a real estate rental file
Photocopy of ID
Residence permit if you came to France with a visa,
If you are a student:
Your student card or tuition certificate for the current year,
If you are an employee:
A copy of your last three pay slips
Your employment contract
If you are an entrepreneur:
2 latest balance sheets
⚠️ You will need to be able to provide the same documents for your guarantor: income documents, an ID card, and a letter of guarantee...
💡Tips: here is an example of a customizable letter of guarantee 2. Optional but useful documents!
Your last tax notice or that of your guarantor;
Photocopy of the property tax notice or local taxes, if your guarantor is the owner
Your latest rent receipts, if you have any
Copy of a simulation attesting to the amount you claim, in case of eligibility for housing assistance (APL). You can do the simulation here.
3. Find a guarantor
A guarantor is a person who guarantees for you: he or she agrees to pay your rent if you no longer have the means to do so.
In France, a guarantor is almost always required for people who want to rent an apartment, whether they are foreign or French. ⚠️Your guarantor must be French. If you do not have one, other solutions are available to you:
VISALE, a free rental deposit if you rent an apartment or a room in a university residence. More information here
If you are not eligible for VISALE or the owner of your home does not recognize it; you can have a look at Garantme, Cautioneo or Unkle
💡More information about guarantor here
4. Our tips for finding accomodations in France
Do not wait to be in France to look for your accommodation.
Be careful of low rents. In Paris, it costs 400 euros for a room in a CROUS residence and at least 800 euros for a private studio. In other cities, you can divide the rent by two.
⚠️Be careful of scams! Discover our tips here
Opt for furnished rented accommodation if you stay in France for 6 month or one year.
Never send money remotely without signing a lease and dealing directly with an organisation.