How to prepare your rental file?

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, ID card and 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 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.

⚠️ Beware of scams! Discover our tips 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 infos about guarantor here

4. Our tips to find accomodation in France

• Do not wait to be in France to look for your accommodation.

• Be careful - 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 rents by two.

• Opt for furnished rented accommodation.

• Never send money remotely without signing a lease and dealing directly with an organization.