What are the French Rules to rent an accommodation?

HOUSING INSURANCE

In France, housing insurance is mandatory. We recommend having at least:

• Fire and water damage protection,
• Civil liability (compensation in case of damages to others)

You can find one on: STUDYASSUR , LUKO or through your bank when you open a bank account

Any questions? Feel free to write us at the address mentioned above.

CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT INVENTORIES

In France, a check-in inventory must be done on arrival. 

At the beginning of the lease, an inventory must be done when the keys are handed over (in practice this is usually the day the lease is signed) and then attached to the lease contract. The inventory describes the state of the apartment and its fittings at the date of signing. There must be two copies (one for the tenant and one for the landlord).

A check-out inventory is to be carried out when the tenant leaves and is usually done when the tenants give back the keys to the landlord or their representative.

In the case of damage to the property, a comparison of both inventories will allow the two parties to establish whose responsibility it is to cover the costs. Therefore, we strongly advise to be precise in the descriptions and to note and report any anomalies that you see. Do not hesitate to add photos which both parties can sign.

Your deposit can be kept by the landlord/residence if you do not attend the check-out inventory.

FINDING A GUARANTOR

It is common for the landlord to ask for a guarantor.  If your parents or relatives are unable to do so because they do not live and pay taxes in France, you can explore the following alternative options:

GARANTME

This system is offered by a private company which provides a rapid release of funds.

VISALE

This is a service carried out by ‘Action Logement’ which provides all students in a specific age range a deposit for all types of property without carrying out means-testing. The procedure must be complete before you sign a lease.  Visale will then act as the guarantor.

explanation here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDoqrqSPOKs

NB : SCHOOL CAN'T BE YOUR GUARANTOR. 

FRENCH RULES REGARDING THE DEPOSIT

In France, you must pay one- or two-month’s deposit to secure your reservation.

By law, the landlord has up to 2 months to return the deposit at the end of the rental period. Some landlords return the deposits right after the check-out inventory, but this is not an obligation. Obviously if damage has been caused, there is excessive use of the heating or telephone, the flat is dirty etc., they are entitled to reduce the amount they return.

It is therefore very important that you understand the contract, what the fees include and the rental conditions when you sign and that you do your utmost to respect the property and its contents.

The deposit cannot be used to pay the last month’s rent unless you have a written agreement with the landlord.

N.B. For all payment (especially in cash) it is your responsibility to ask for a receipt.

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM A HOUSING ALLOWANCE (CAF)

The CAF is a housing benefit which takes the form of a financial contribution (by bank transfer on a French bank account). This fixed amount is valid for the duration of your tenancy from the second month of the contract.

To apply, connect to CAF

As a start, you will need to prepare documents such as the housing agreement, French bank account details (called RIB), passport first page, certificate of studies and copy of your visa. 

Please note the following rules:

• If you have a VISA “D” with mention “dispense temporaire de titre de séjour”, you are not eligible for the allowance
• If you move from one accommodation to another, you will have to close your account in CAF and start a new application
• You must inform CAF when you leave your accommodation. If you do not, you may have to reimburse them
• A bank account in France is mandatory. CAF will not process bank transfers outside of France.

You will find below a process which will guide you. 

Information about the housing tax

Students residing in an individual flat, house or private residence are required to pay the housing tax if they are registered tenants in the property on 1st January of each year. This is calculated based on the type of accommodation and namely its size and location. It is sometimes included in the rent. Do not forget to check when you sign your rental contract!

Note that students who have a room in the CROUS or with a family will be exempted from paying this tax.

More information: https://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/en/housing-tax-who-has-pay-499

HOW TO LEAVE MY ROOM OR FLAT EARLIER?

It is possible to leave your accommodation earlier than planned. You will absolutely need to inform the landlord by letter with acknowledgement of receipt via the Post Office. Please understand that a text message or an oral conversation will not have any value.

One month's notice will have to be respected.