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Useful information and best practice
This section contains useful information and advice to help you find accommodation in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. You will find out what expenses you need to budget for, the different types of accommodation available, the documents you need to provide, guarantor options, and the steps to take once you have signed the lease.
Move-in costs for permanent accommodation
Main expenses
Certain expenses must always be paid when moving into new accommodation:
First month's rent.
Security deposit: generally equivalent to one month's rent for unfurnished accommodation and two months' rent for furnished accommodation.
Home insurance: compulsory for tenants, this type of insurance is an essential everyday expense and allows you to claim compensation from your insurance company in the event of damage to your accommodation.
Energy and telecommunications: water, electricity, gas, internet (costs vary depending on the supplier and your consumption, and are sometimes included in the rent).
Additional expenses
These expenses depend on your personal situation and the type of accommodation you choose:
Estate agency fees (if going through an agency): often equivalent to one month's rent.
Removal costs: the price will be assessed based on the amount of personal belongings you need to transport and the distance to be covered (particularly if you need to transport your belongings abroad).
Purchase of furniture and equipment: if the property is unfurnished or only partially equipped.
Guarantee via a third-party organisation: this is sometimes required if you do not have a guarantor in France.
Property categories
As you browse through the ads for accommodation, you will see that properties are listed according to their size. The terms studio, T1 and T2 refer to different sized properties. You need to understand these terms to find the right size accommodation for your needs:
Studio: one room with a bathroom + kitchenette.
T1: living room + bathroom + kitchen.
T1 bis: living room + bathroom + kitchen + semi-separate space (e.g. mezzanine or alcove).
T2: two rooms (1 bedroom + living room) + bathroom + kitchen.
T3: three rooms (2 bedrooms + living room) + bathroom (with a toilet inside or separate from the bathroom) + kitchen.
Compiling your rental application file
When applying to rent a property, you must compile an application file containing the following documents:
A valid form of identification (passport, residence permit, etc.)
Proof of your status (student card, proof of enrolment, proof of admission, employment contract, etc.).
Proof of financial resources, such as a scholarship certificate (if you are entitled to one), payslips and documents relating to your guarantor (see below).
Personal guarantor and alternative guarantor schemes (VISALE and Garantme)
A personal guarantor is usually an individual, often a relative or close friend, who agrees to cover the rental payments if the tenant is unable to pay. The financial resources of this trusted person provide the landlord with reassurance because they offer a guarantee of payment.
You've found your accommodation. What’s next?
Before you move in, you will need to complete a few essential formalities to ensure this new phase goes smoothly:
Sign the lease (rental contract) with the landlord or agency. It specifies the duration of the tenancy, the amount of rent, the security deposit and the cancellation conditions. Read this document carefully before signing and keep a copy.
Pay the costs associated with moving into your accommodation: security deposit, any agency fees and the first month's rent. Make sure you keep proof of your payments (receipt, bank transfer, cheque).
Carry out the move-in inventory with the landlord. This document describes the condition of the accommodation on your arrival. Read it over carefully and keep a copy so that you can compare it with the move-out inventory when you leave.
Check the furniture inventory if the property is furnished. Check that all the equipment listed is present and in good working order, and report any issues promptly.
Take a reading from the water, electricity and gas meters as soon as you arrive. You’ll need this information when taking out contracts with suppliers.
Take out home insurance, which is compulsory for all tenants. It protects you in the event of a claim (fire, water damage, theft, etc.) and may be required by the landlord before handing the keys over.
