How to rent an apartment in France

Renting accommodation in France presents a unique set of challenges, from navigating the rental market's nuances to understanding the legal aspects of leasing agreements. Discover everything you need to know about rentals in France as a foreigner. Whether you're wondering how to find an apartment in Paris or looking for houses for rent in France for a more relaxed lifestyle, this article will help you understand the rental landscape and ensure a smooth experience.

Experiencing French culture as a foreigner is exciting. With the mundane challenges like renting a flat or opening a bank account comes the emotional challenge of missing your loved ones back home. Luckily, there are many ways to stay connected to friends and family. For example, you can send a money transfer from France to remind those you care about how much they mean to you. Make a fast, easy, and safe remittance with Profee, a reliable online money transfer company. Send your love and support in just a few taps at a favourable exchange rate with minimal fees. Try it out today.

Renting apartments in France

36,6% of the population rents apartments in France, which is slightly higher than in other EU countries. At the same time, when it comes to the type of housing, around 66% of the population lives in houses. The rest reside in apartments in France and other housing types, such as vans, houseboats, etc.

There are many websites and agencies you can reach out to when looking for French apartments for rent. As a foreigner, it is essential to remember that many French agencies, especially outside big cities, don’t speak English. Luckily, there are agencies specifically targeted at English speakers, so if you still need to learn the language, it's worth checking out expat-oriented agencies—for example, French-property.com, longtermletting.com, and parisattitude.com. The latter is the perfect website for those exploring how to rent an apartment in Paris.

After signing a contract with your French landlord, both parties are bound by legal rights and responsibilities outlined by law. The good news is that the legal system is highly tenant-friendly. For instance, a landlord cannot enter the rented property during the contract period.

General tenant obligations:

• Timely payment of rent and utilities;
• Adherence to the lease agreement rules;
• Minor repairs and maintenance, such as basic plumbing/electrical issues, minor interior damage, etc;
• Coverage of expenses for the damages caused by the tenant.

In order to break the agreement, a landlord has to follow a strict legal procedure and provide sufficient evidence there have been breaches in the contract. Basic landlord obligations:

• Performing major repairs when needed;
• Visiting the property solely for repair purposes and providing notice beforehand;
• Offering adequate and secure housing;
• Covering the costs of major repairs and replacing provided equipment (e.g., washing machine) if damaged, unless caused by the tenant;
• Issuing a receipt for rent payments;
• Allowing pets.

Renting in France long-term: popular destinations

France is very diverse in culture, natural landscapes, lifestyle, employment opportunities, etc. Here are some of the popular French destinations among expats:

• Paris is unsurprisingly the most popular city among expats and French citizens alike. Like any other capital, it offers educational and career opportunities, attracting students and young professionals. The city is culturally rich and diverse and has a fast-paced rhythm. However, the cost of living in Paris with rent is one of the country's highest, which is no surprise.

• Lyon shares a lot in common with the capital city. It is also multicultural, offers a bustling nightlife scene, and stands out as a major economic hub with many career options. It comes second after Paris in terms of the cost of living.

• Toulouse is France’s fourth-largest city, located in the southwestern part of the country. It's an excellent fit for expats prioritising a big city atmosphere and access to nature. Toulouse offers mild winters, warm summers, security, and a lower cost of living.

Types of rentals in France

While we all know what apartments in France can look like, houses for rent in France include various types, such as bastide, domaine, ferme, mas, etc. There are also two kinds of housing on the rental market: furnished and unfurnished. Furnished French apartments for rent are usually associated with short-term leases of up to a year. Unfurnished rentals in France often get rented out for periods of three years. By law, a furnished rental should come equipped with essential amenities such as bedding, cooking appliances (oven or microwave), refrigerator, freezer, dishes, kitchen tools, dining furniture, storage units, lighting fixtures, and housekeeping supplies. When looking for furnished French apartments for rent, make sure they include all of the above.

How much is rent in France

So, how much is rent in France? Depending on the location and the accommodation type, prices of French apartments for rent can vary greatly. In the table below, you can see how much rent is in France’s major cities, Paris and Lyon:

The table illustrates data published by Eurostat reflecting 2023 market rents.

To calculate how much you will need in a month to live in the capital, choose one of the accommodations above and add to it about 3,994.8€ if you’re a family of four or 1,119.7€ if you’re single. That would be your approximate cost of living in Paris with rent.

Pro Tip: Did you know you could send domestic transfers via Profee? Remit to your landlord in France with a favourable alternative to wire transfers.

How to find an apartment in Paris & other cities

To find an apartment in Paris and other big cities on your own, try browsing through websites and social media groups. However, if you’re new to the city and want to play it safe, we recommend contacting an estate agency. The latter also would be a better option if you’re looking for a place in a rural area.

Renting an apartment in Paris and other cities person-to-person is a cheaper option. However, we recommend drafting a contract correctly to avoid any risks. Here’s what a basic form of tenancy contract should include:

• Tenant(s) and landlord identification
• Description of the rented property
• Commencement date of the contract
• Term of the agreement (e.g., one year or three years)
• Rent and security deposit figures
• Additional fees due to the landlord (e.g., utilities)
• Notice period details
• Rights and responsibilities of both parties
• Property dimensions (for unfurnished rentals only)
• Signatures of both landlord and tenant

Check out the websites in the list below. Although they don’t have an English version, you can always translate them in the browser. Some offer short-term options, while others can help in renting in France long-term:

• Seloger
• Bienici
• Logic-immo
• PAP
• Avendrealouer
• Theblueground and Spotahome (perfect for English speakers who need to rent an apartment in Paris)

We’ve covered finding a place independently. Now, let’s talk about how to rent an apartment in Paris via an agency. First things first, an estate agent must possess a carte professionnelle, a special licence. Secondly, ensure you know the upfront fees and whether a potential landlord plans to split the agent fees with you as a tenant.

Renting through an agent is typically associated with higher costs. You make the first month's payment and pay the deposit. Besides, agents charge landlords administration fees, which they often hand over to tenants.

What you’ll typically required to provide when renting with an agent:

• Identification documents such as a passport or valid ID
• Confirmation of residency status in France
• Evidence of income, usually in the form of three months' bank statements. If you haven't been employed in France, you might need to show proof of income for the past three years.
• Recommendations from previous landlords, if you have rented accommodation in France previously

Rentals in France on a budget

If you’re a student and would like to save on rent, there are a few options available for you. Firstly, you can apply for university accommodation, which is one of the cheapest types of housing. It could be a small private apartment or a room — just make sure you start your search in advance as student accommodation is often overbooked. Visit this website to learn about the process and requirements from start to finish. Another option is a flatshare. To find a room in one, you can use websites like Roomlala, go to dedicated Facebook groups, or simply ask fellow students.

We hope today’s article will help you navigate rentals in France. And remember, Profee is always there for you whenever you need to send a fast, safe, and cost-effective transfer from France.