Renting in France often surprises expats. Not because it’s impossible, but because it is highly regulated, document-heavy, and landlord-driven in a way many foreigners don’t expect.
France has one of Europe’s most tenant-protective rental systems. That’s reassuring once you’re in, but it also means competition is high and landlords are selective, particularly in cities and desirable regions.
If you’re moving to France, renting is usually the first step, whether for a visa, to test a region before buying, or simply to get settled. Here’s what you need to know to approach the French rental market with clarity, realism, and far fewer frustrations.
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The basics of the French rental market
France’s rental market is heavily regulated by law, with rules designed to protect tenants long-term.
Why landlords are so selective
Key protections include:
- Long lease terms (3 years unfurnished, 1 year furnished)
- Strict limits on rent increases
- Strong eviction protections, including the trêve hivernale (winter eviction ban)
Because landlords can’t easily remove a tenant if things go wrong, they are extremely cautious before signing a lease. This is why your profile and paperwork matter so much.
Furnished vs unfurnished rentals
You’ll mainly see two types of long-term rentals:
- Unfurnished (non-meublé)
- Standard lease: 3 years, renewable
- Lower rent, fewer move-in costs
- Most common for long-term residents
- Furnished (meublé)
- Standard lease: 1 year (or 9 months for students)
- Higher rent, more flexible
- Often used by expats, but more competitive
Finding a place to rent in France
Navigating the rental market in France offers various avenues to secure your ideal home. Here are some effective methods:
Online property portals
The main rental platforms include:
- SeLoger
- Leboncoin
- PAP
- Rightmove
- A Vendre A Louer
Filtering aggressively by location, budget, and size is essential. Good listings move fast, sometimes within hours.
> You might be interested in this article: Why you should use Leboncoin for your long-term rental search in France
Estate agents
Working with a local agent immobilier can save time and reduce stress, especially if you don’t speak fluent French, you’re searching remotely, or you need help navigating French lease contracts and local rules. However, many expats are caught off guard by an important reality of the French rental market: most estate agencies are bound by rental-insurance requirements.
In practice, many agencies rely on GLI (garantie loyers impayés) insurance. These policies are designed around French-based income and tax documentation. If your income comes from abroad (US, UK, remote work, pensions), the agency may simply not be insured to place you, even if you are financially strong and ready to sign.
This isn’t personal and it’s not about willingness. Legally and contractually, the agency often cannot take the risk.
Agencies specialised in expat rentals
Expat-focused agencies work specifically with international profiles. They:
- Understand foreign income structures
- Help package your application
- Explain French rental law clearly
- Liaise with landlords who are open to non-French tenants
For many expats, this support is the difference between months of silence and actually securing a lease.
Understanding French rental listings and adverts
French rental ads are full of abbreviations and coded language.
Decoding T-numbers
- T1 / F1: Studio
- T2 / F2: 1 bedroom
- T3: 2 bedrooms
- “Bis”: Extra alcove or small room (often in older buildings)
Bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets are rarely counted as rooms. A separate WC is considered a plus.
Common abbreviations
- Asc: Ascenseur (lift)
- Chb: Chambre (bedroom)
- Chauff: Chauffage (heating)
- Sdb: Salle de bain
- RDC: Rez-de-chaussée (ground floor)
Understanding these details helps you avoid wasted viewings.
The rental dossier: what landlords expect
Your dossier is the single most important part of renting in France.
Landlords typically ask for:
- Passport or ID
- Proof of income (payslips, pension statements, business income)
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of current address
- Employment or professional status
A common benchmark is net income ≈ 3× the rent. If you don’t meet this, landlords may require:
- A French guarantor, or
- A caution bancaire
> You might be interested in this article: How to Prepare a Winning Rental Dossier in France
Cost of renting in France
Monthly rent (indicative)
Rents vary widely by location.
Average monthly rents (source: SeLoger):
- Furnished apartment: 709 €
- Unfurnished apartment: 671 €
- Furnished house: 985 €
- Unfurnished house: 902 €
Large cities and coastal areas are significantly higher; rural zones are lower.
Security deposit
- Maximum: 1 month’s rent (excluding charges)
- Fixed in the lease and cannot be increased later
Agency fees (regulated by law)
Under the ALUR law, tenant-paid agency fees are capped:
- Very tense areas (Paris + 68 towns): 12 €/m²
- Tense areas (major cities): 10 €/m²
- Non-tensioned areas: 8 €/m²
- Entry inventory: max 3 €/m² nationwide
Inventories and condition reports (état des lieux)
At move-in and move-out, a detailed condition report is completed and attached to the lease.
This document determines:
- What counts as normal wear
- What can be deducted from your deposit
Tip: take photos and note everything, even minor defects.
Tenant and landlord rights in France
Tenant rights
French tenants benefit from strong protections, including:
- A legally habitable property
- Security of tenure for the lease duration
- Regulated rent increases (where applicable)
- Right to privacy (no unannounced visits)
Landlord rights
Landlords retain rights to:
- Receive rent on time
- Inspect the property with notice
- Require proper maintenance
Understanding both sides helps avoid conflict.
Practical tips for expats renting in France
From abroad, the biggest challenges are:
- No French payslips
- No French guarantor
- Proving long-term stability
What helps:
- A professionally prepared dossier
- Clear explanation of income and plans
- Translated documents
- A short personal introduction
Official resources such as ANIL and Service-Public can also help you understand your rights and obligations.
Final notes: Renting in France as an expat
Renting in France is not “easy”, but it is predictable once you understand the rules.
The system rewards:
- Preparation
- Transparency
- Long-term stability
If you approach it with the right expectations and support, renting can be an excellent way to land softly in France before buying or settling long-term.
If you are struggling to secure a long-term rental in France, you’re not alone and it’s rarely because you’re doing something wrong. We help foreigner find long-term rentals in France, navigating the parts of the process that are often invisible, confusing, or quietly blocking progress. If you want clarity on what’s possible in your situation, book a free 30-minute consultation and we’ll help you map the next steps with confidence. >> BOOK MY FREE CONSULTATION CALL
Updated January 2026
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