Renting in France: What you need to know

Renting in France offers a myriad of choices in a vibrant and diverse market, catering to various lifestyles and tastes. Whether you fancy a chic urban apartment or a picturesque countryside cottage, you’ll discover the perfect abode.

Renting in France is still a prevalent choice, with approximately 36% of individuals opting for this housing solution. This popularity stems for the flexibility and range of options that renting provides, making it an appealing prospect for newcomers and long-time residents alike.

Buying vs. renting in France

Choosing between buying and renting in France hinges on your individual circumstances and long-term plan.

Renting in France offers a degree of flexibility, making it an ideal choice for newcomers or those still exploring their ideal location. This is especially true in urban areas where renting is the norm. It allows you to acquaint yourself with your surroundings before making a long-term commitment.

In rural regions, property ownership is more common. However, even in these areas, renting can be a practical initial step. It provides flexibility, lessens immediate responsibilities and grants you the protections of tenant rights enshrined in French law.

On the other hand, buying a property can lead to long-term financial saving and afford you the freedom to renovate and personalise your space. Renovation projects are popular among expat communities in France, allowing individuals to tailor their homes to their specific tastes and needs.

From comprehensive insights into securing a mortgage, refer to our dedicated article here.

> You might be interested in this article: Is it better to rent or buy in France?

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 websites

A plethora of property websites simplifies your rental hunt. Platforms like SeLoger, Leboncoin, Pap.fr, RightMove, and A Vendre A Louer host extensive listings. They grant you the power to refine your search by location, size and budget, ensuring you discover options tailored to your preferences.

Estate agents

Engaging professional estate agencies can significantly streamline the process of renting in France. They provide expert insights and access to a wider array of properties, which proves invaluable of you’re short on time or have specific requirements. Many agencies, both physical and virtual, are at your disposal. Typically, you’ll need to register and schedule an appointment at the local branch. Agent immobilier fees vary, but most adhere to capped rates, with transparent fee structures published for your reference.

Agencies specialised in expat rentals

For expats seeking seamless transitions, specialised agencies catering to the international community offer invaluable assistance. These agencies boast English-speaking services and possess in-depth knowledge of the expat rental landscape in France. They go the extra mile in aiding with administrative tasks, understanding contracts, and navigating local rental regulations. Such tailored support proves particularly beneficial for newcomers finding their footing in the French rental market.

Navigating rental ads as expat in France

Understanding rental advertisement can be a bit of a puzzle, especially as real estate agents often use coded terms and abbreviations. Let’s decode them to make your search for the perfect place smoother.

Decoding coded terms

In French rental ads, you might come across codes like T1, T2, F1, F2, which classify properties based on size and type. Here’s what they mean:

T (Type): indicates an apartment

F (foncier): refers to houses

Number: represents the living space along with the number of bedrooms.

Interestingly, the kitchen, bathrooms and toilet are usually not specified. For many French people, a separate toilet is an essential feature. You might also encounter a term like T2 Bis, where ‘bis’ indicates an additional room like an alcove in the bedroom or living area. These alcoves are quite common in older apartments.

Grasping abbreviations

Abbreviations are rife in rental ads, and there’s an array of them. Here are a few you might encounter:

Asc: Ascenseur (lift)

Chb: Chambre (bedroom)

Chauff: Chauffage (heating)

Sdb: Salle de bain (bathroom)

RDC: Rez de chaussée (ground floor)

These codes and abbreviations can hold vital information about a property, so understanding them will make your search for a rental in France much more straightforward.

How to rent a property in France

Renting in France through a property agency

Property agencies are valuable allies in your quest for the perfect rental. They act as intermediaries, streamlining the process from viewing to paperwork. Communication with the landlord is facilitated, making this option particularly advantageous if you’re not yet fluent in French. Moreover, agencies often have a wide array of listings, increasing your chances of finding a suitable home swiftly.

Renting in France privately through a landlord

While this route may entail a bit more legwork, it can forge a direct and potentially more personal connection with the property owner. You’ll have the chance to establish a one-on-one rapport, which can be especially beneficial when resolving any issues or negotiating lease terms. However, it’s imperative to ensure all legalities are meticulously covered. This includes drafting a comprehensive tenancy agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Additionally, conducting thorough due diligence on the property and its owner is crucial to safeguarding your interests.

Prepare your rental file

Before you embark on your journey to find the perfect rental, it’s crucial to compile a comprehensive rental file. This file, often referred to as a ‘dossier’, is a collection of documents that prospective landlords may request to assess your suitability as a tenant. Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of identity: a valid identification document is a must. This could be your passport or national ID.
Proof of income and employment status: This includes your work contract, tax fillings from the previous year, and your most recent three payslips.
Evidence of sufficient resources: Landlords want to ensure you have the financial means to cover your rent and living expenses.
Confirmation of current address: This serves as a reference and shows stability.
Copy of your RIB: Some landlords may request your bank account details. If you don’t have a French bank account yet, they might ask for a larger deposit.

Cost of renting in France

Monthly rent

This varies widely depending on location, size and condition of the property. Paris and major cities tend to have higher rents compared to rural areas.

Average monthly rent in France*:

1 bedroom apartment in city centre: 718 €
1 bedroom apartment in outside of city centre: 578 €
3 bedrooms apartment in city centre: 1,393 €
3 bedrooms apartment in outside of city centre: 1,121 €

*These numbers have been taken from Numbeo. Keep in mind that these will be higher in bigger cities, and lower in rural areas.

Deposit

Landlords typically ask for a security deposit. The amount of the security deposit must not exceed 1 month’s rent (excluding charges), and it must be indicated in the lease. The landlord cannot increase the amount of the security deposit during the lease, nor upon renewal of the lease.

Agency fees

When you choose to rent through a real estate professional in France, you’ll encounter agency fees. These fees cover various services like property visits, document preparation, lease drafting, and move-in procedures. The exact amount varies based on the property’s size and its location. However, when it comes to conducting an entry inventory, there’s a uniform ceiling across the country. This ceiling is set a 3 € per square meter of the property’s living space that’s up for rent.

The regulation of these agency fees falls under the ALUR law. This law introduced a standardised scale for calculating agency fees applicable to both unfurnished and furnished rentals. Here’s how the territory is divided, along with the corresponding agency fees:

Very tense area: This includes Paris and 68 towns nearby, where agency fees stand at 12 € per square meter.
Tense area: Covering 1,149 cities in 28 urban areas like Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc., agency fees amount to 10 € per square meter.
Non-tensioned area: Encompassing the remaining parts of the territory, agency fees are set at 8 € per square meter.

Benefits for housing costs in France

France offers housing benefits for low-income households. Eligibility criteria and amounts vary, so it’s worth checking with local authorities or online resources. There are three types of housing allowance in France. These are:

Personalised housing allowance (APL)
Family housing allowance (ALF)
Social housing allowance (ALS)

Navigating tenancy contracts and rights in France

Tenancy contracts in France

A tenancy contract in France, known as a ‘bail’, is a legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. This document serves as a crucial reference point for both parties and should be thoroughly reviewed before signing.

The contract typically included details like:

Duration of the lease
Rent amount and payment schedule
The amount of the security deposit
Inventory and condition of the property
Maintenance responsabilities

Tenant's rights in France

French law places a strong emphasis on protecting tenants’ rights. These rights are designed to ensure fair treatment and comfortable living conditions. They include:

Right to a habitability: The property must meet specific health and safety standards, providing a safe and liveable environment.
Security of tenure: Tenants are entitled to remain in the property for the duration of the lease, as long as they abide by the terms and conditions.
Rent control: In some areas, especially large cities, there may be rent control measures in place to prevent excessive rent hikes.
Privacy: Tenants have the right to privacy and cannot be subject to unannounced visits from the landlord.

Landlords' rights in France

While tenants’ right are robust in France, landlords also have specific rights that must be respected. These include:

Right to collect rent: Landlords have the right to receive rent payments in full and on time, as specified in the tenancy contract.
Right to inspect the property: Landlords have the right to inspect the property periodically, typically with proper notice to the tenant.
Right to maintain the property: It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the property is well-maintained and complies with health and safety regulations.

Useful tips for renters in France

Master the lease terms: Scrutinise the lease agreement, paying special attention to notice periods and conditions for terminating the tenancy. This knowledge is your shield in case of unexpected circumstances.
Detailed inventory check: Before settling in, conduct a meticulous inventory inspection. Document any existing damages or wear and tear. This step can be a lifesaver when it’s time to move out.
Open lines of communication: Establish transparent channels of communication with your landlord. This is crucial for reporting maintenance issues or requesting repairs promptly.
Utility meter readings: When you move in and out, take readings of utility meters. This practice ensures you’re not billed for periods when you weren’t even there. It’s a small step that can save you from unnecessary expenses.

Useful resources

Government housing portal: Websites like CAF and Action Logement offer valuable information on housing benefits and support for renters.

Tenant associations: Joining a tenant association can provide additional resources, legal advice, and a sense of community. Visit website here.

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