If you’re planning to move to France and rent an apartment or house, you’re going to hear the phrase rental dossier a lot. In fact, your rental dossier in France is your golden ticket to finding housing, especially in competitive markets like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux.
Let’s walk you through exactly how to prepare a professional, complete, and appealing rental dossier that not only checks all the boxes, but helps you stand out from the crowd.
Table of Contents
What is a rental dossier in France?
A rental dossier is a collection of documents that prove your identity, income, and ability to pay rent. It’s required by almost every landlord or rental agency in France, and without it, you won’t get very far.
Think of it as your rental CV. The more complete and polished it is, the better your chances of securing the property you want.
Required documents to rent in France
Whether you’re an expat, a student, or relocating for work, you’ll need to prepare the following core documents for your rental dossier:
Standard documents (Always Required)
- Copy of your passport or national ID
- Three most recent payslips (if employed)
- Two most recent annual income statements (if self-employed or freelancer)
- Proof of current residence (e.g., utility bill, lease, or tax notice)
If you’re using a guarantor (which is common in France, especially for expats):
- Copy of the guarantor’s ID or passport
- Guarantor’s last 3 payslips or 2 annual income statements
- Proof of residence for the guarantor (recent utility bill or lease)
Recommended documents (Strongly Suggested)
These aren’t always mandatory, but including them can significantly improve your chances, especially in competitive rental markets.
- Most recent tax notice (avis d’imposition) – yours or your guarantor’s
- Residence permit (Carte de séjour) – if applicable
- Employer letter confirming your job and salary
- Proof of property ownership (for the guarantor)
- RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) – your French bank account details
- Recent rent receipts from your current or previous accommodation
If you’re still getting set up in France, check out our relocation and long-term rental support services for help opening a bank account or finding temporary housing.
What REALLY makes you stand out: Your story
In France, landlords aren’t just looking at numbers, they want to know who will be living in their home.
This is where your personal story matters. Whether you’re relocating for work, pursuing your dream of living in France, or settling down with your family, including a short paragraph about who you are helps humanise your application.
Include:
- Why you’re moving to France
- Your profession or what brings you to the area
- If you’re remote working or planning to stay long-term
- A few words about your lifestyle (quiet, tidy, respectful)
Example:
“We’re a British couple relocating to Lyon for work and a change of pace. I’m a remote marketing consultant, and my partner teaches at a bilingual school. We’re looking for a quiet, long-term rental close to parks and public transport.”
This approach builds trust, and it works!
What not to include
French law strictly limits what landlords are allowed to request. You should never be asked for:
- Bank account balances
- Social security number
- Personal medical records
- Criminal background checks
- Photos (except ID page)
What if I don’t have a guarantor?
If you’re new to France and don’t have a French guarantor, don’t panic.
Options include:
- Visale: a free guarantor service for eligible tenants (especially students and workers under 31)
- Private guarantor companies (with a fee) such as Garantme, SmartGarant or even Cautioneo.
- Using your employer as a guarantor (in some cases)
Final tips for a winning rental dossier in France
- Create a clean, organised PDF: Combine all documents into a single file.
- Label everything clearly: e.g. “JohnSmith_Payslip_June2025.pdf”
- Bring both printed and digital versions to visits (when viewing in person).
- Translate foreign documents if needed (some agencies request this)
- Act fast: When you find a property you like, send your dossier immediately.
Need help finding long-term rentals in France?
Struggling to find a rental in France as a foreigner? You’re not alone.
Agencies don’t reply. Landlords go silent. The paperwork feels impossible, and when you don’t have French income, your dossier often gets rejected outright. At Ibanista, we help expats like you secure long-term rentals with confidence, no stress, no guesswork. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION CALL WITH IBANISTA
FAQs: Rental dossiers in France
Can I rent in France without a French job contract?
Yes, but it’s harder. You’ll need strong supporting documents and a guarantor
Do I need a French bank account before renting?
Yes, most landlords will ask for your RIB (bank details) for rent transfers.
Is my UK/US payslip accepted?
It may be, but including a guarantor or proof of savings can help if your income is foreign.
What’s a typical security deposit in France?
Usually one month’s rent (excluding utilities). It’s returned after move-out unless there are damages.
Final notes: A strong dossier gets you the keys
The French rental system is paperwork-heavy, but being prepared gives you the edge. By assembling a complete and compelling rental dossier, and including a touch of personal story, you’ll show landlords that you’re reliable, serious, and ready to be a great tenant.
Planning a move to France or just thinking about it?
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