Spiky Community
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.