Dreaming of moving to France?

Well bienvenue et bonne courage! Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical world of French culture, gastronomy, and... quirky… frustrating… tiring… exhaustive… long rental processes 🏡. But fear not, my dear friends (non-French-speaking friends… it’s gonna be complicated but hang in there! It’s worth it!)! In this brief overview guide, we'll equip you with essential tips and insights that will have you navigating the French rental scene with finesse and a smile 😊. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of French rental success? Parfait! Grab some snacks 🥖🧀, pour a glass of wine 🍷 (keep the bottle close by), and let's get you ready to move to France!

The reality check… it's not all rose coloured glasses.

France’s rental market is broken, this is why we created Clairly 🛠️. When it comes to renting in France, the law is heavily on the tenant’s side. Landlords are extremely limited with the information they can request and actions against bad tenants. If you move into a place and decide to stop paying rent, the landlord can’t just boot you out at the end of the month like they might in other countries. Getting evicted here can drag on for months (in many cases years) with endless court battles and often result in a significant if not devastating loss for the landlord while the tenant being able to be pardoned of any debts. Because of this, landlords have to be super strict about covering their asses, making sure you can actually afford the rent long-term, and if you can’t, someone else will pay it for you. When you really think about it, they hold 100% of the risk renting to you since the government decided to make the landlord/tenant relationship really one-sided ⚖️.

The demand dwarfs the supply and landlords know it. Most properties in the major cities of France are managed by agencies. This means that you are inevitably going to pay the agency fees (up to 12€ per m2 + up to 3€/m2 for the état des lieux 💸) and a hell of a time getting a hold of anyone. It’s very common for an agency to have upwards of 100+ applications on a property within 24 hours, countless calls/voicemails, and hundreds of daily emails. You’re not special, you don’t deserve special treatment. Don’t get frustrated or mad that they aren’t responsive, they simply don’t have the time. Sorry if that’s direct but it’s the reality of the situation 😬. The only trick here is persistence and dedication.

GLI – the magic letters landlords swear by 🌟, and a total pain if you're not the "ideal" tenant. A GLI (garantie de loyers impayés) is basically landlord insurance that guarantees they get their rent, even if they stop paying. More and more landlords are jumping on this bandwagon (and agencies love it because they get a commission 💰), but it’s a nightmare for tenants. Here’s the deal: the insurance company tells the landlord give super strict requirements for the tenant to meet (they're not around to lose money). The catch? You need a full-time job (CDI) past your probation period, and earn at least 3 times the rent in net salary (more times than not it’s 4+x). If you don’t, you’re screwed 🤷‍♀️ and won’t have a chance at that property so it’s best to move on to the next.

The boring bits you HAVE to know.

Before we plunge into the depths of French rental shenanigans, let's brush up on the basics. Here's what you need to know:

The most important thing: (don’t skip this!)

Your rental application (Dossier locataire). Having a killer dossier is non-negotiable. You need to get all your paperwork together and neatly pack it into one well-organized PDF. Understandably, if you’re an expat or a non-CDI individual, this is where you’re going to struggle and you need to make sure everything is as perfect as you can get. Make sure all your documents are translated. This is where Clairly comes in and helps make things easier for agencies, and let’s be honest, anything that makes their job easier will make them like you more and more responsive.

Required Documentation: A landlord is only allowed to ask for certain documents. It is illegal for them to ask for anything beyond the following:

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, ID card).

• Proof of income, such as pay slips (typically from the last three months) or tax returns.

• Proof of employment, like an employment contract (CDI is preferred).

• Proof of current address (e.g., recent utility bills).

• A French tax return (avis d'imposition).

• Bank account details (RIB) to set up rent payments.

• Documents from a guarantor, if applicable, including their proof of income and tax details.

For the complete list, you can visit the Service Public here.

Clairly is the perfect solution for your rental dossier. Our solution makes sure that you have every document required to allow an agency to approve you. Honestly, you probably won’t get a second chance as there are likely other complete applications in the mix.

Pro tip: Add a short intro about yourself and throw in a friendly photo to help you stand out—it adds a nice personal touch 📸.

But, to keep it real: discrimination is still a reality in France 🤬. People from North African backgrounds often struggled more than others. If you think your ethnicity might be an issue, it might be better to leave that part out 😔.

Types of Rentals:

Picture this: a furnished rental (Meublé) is like walking into a cosy French fairy tale, complete with charming furnishings and all the quality knick-knack and cooking equipment France is known for. Now the reality of furnished apartments, think cheap second-hand furnishings (not all the time!) and the very basics essentials and likely dull knives. Landlords are only required to provide basic furnishings such as:

• A bed ensemble (including bedding and linens)

• A sofa (some even just provide a single armchair)

• A kitchen table with chairs

• Lighting fixtures

• Curtains or shutters for the bedroom

• Cooking appliances, including a stove and an oven or microwave

• A refrigerator

• Sufficient dishes and utensils for meals

• Shelving or storage units

• Cleaning equipment, such as a vacuum or broom

This list meets the legal standards for furnished properties in France. For the official list, you can refer to the official guidelines here.

Note:

If you’re not satisfied with any specific item in the property (whether it doesn't suit your style or standards), you can always ask the landlord if they'd be willing to make changes. However, keep in mind that if the furnishings meet the legal requirements, the landlord is under no obligation to make any adjustments. In many cases, it may be easier for them to find a new tenant than to modify the current setup.

A better approach is to offer a solution rather than create a problem. Two practical options include:

1. Paying to store the current furnishings at your own expense, or using the property's storage (if agreed upon in your lease) — and don’t forget to do a condition report on each individual item you are planning to change during the move-in inspection (État des Lieux - EDL) 📝. Trust us, this is very important to get your security deposit back.

2. Offering to buy furnishings and leave them when you leave, with the landlord’s written approval before buying anything (as your style might be too... unique 😉). You'll need to work with your landlord to sell or dispose the current. If you purchase any items second-hand, it’s a good idea to take photos of any imperfections and email them to the landlord to avoid potential issues at the end of the lease 📸.

Most landlords are open to these options, especially when you proactively show that it won’t add any extra work or stress for them.

Unfurnished rentals (Non-meublé), on the other hand, you know the term “everything but the kitchen sink?” Well, with unfurnished rentals, you get the exact reverse. Your entire apartment will be bare to the bone: no fancy light fixtures, wardrobes, window coverings, kitchen cabinets (or appliances for that matter), JUST the kitchen sink 🚰. However, they are like blank canvases waiting for your artistic touch 🎨.

Short-Term Lease (Bail mobilité), a newer contract option that lasts between one and ten months, for furnished apartments (remember that?), perfect for students or professionals on the move. Think Airbnb or serviced apartments 🏡, though some agencies and landlords do offer this option. It’s ideal if you need temporary accommodation while you search for your permanent home. No deposit required, and while it’s great for short stays, don’t get too comfy—it’s non-renewable ⏳. Keep in mind, you won’t get as many tenant protections as with a traditional lease.

Important to know

Rental Contracts Get ready—signing a French rental contract can feel like diving into a complex mystery novel 📜. But no need to panic, Sherlock! Take your time to unravel its twists and turns, and don’t hesitate to bring in a bilingual friend to be your trusty Watson 🕵️.

Key clues to look out for:

• Duration of the lease: Is it a one-year, three-year, or short-term Bail Mobilité? Make sure you know what you’re committing to ⏳.

• Rent and charges: Double-check what's included in the rent. Are utilities or maintenance fees extra? It's important to get clear on this upfront 💶.

• Notice period: Depending on whether it's a furnished or unfurnished apartment, the notice period can differ (typically 1 to 3 months). Be sure to know how much advance notice you need to give if you plan to leave.

• Deposit: For traditional leases, deposits are common. Typically, they’ll ask for one month’s rent (furnished) or two months’ rent (unfurnished) as a security deposit.

• Conditions for renewal: Understand if and how the lease can be renewed, or if there are restrictions or automatic extensions.

Stay sharp, and with these clues, you’ll crack the case of the French rental contract in no time! 🕵️‍♀️

ANIL (Agence Nationale pour l'Information sur le Logement) will be an important resource for you during your lease. Through its local branches ADIL (Agences Départementales d’Information sur le Logement), ANIL offers free, neutral, and personalized advice on housing-related matters in France. They provide tenants, landlords, and homeowners with legal and financial guidance, including rental contracts, tenant rights, and housing aid. ADIL’s experts can help with dispute resolution, property tax questions, and offer insights into energy efficiency programs. It's a trusted resource for navigating the complex housing market, and Clairly is the perfect tool to help you stay on track.

Guarantors (Garants): Your financial “backup” 🦸 ! A guarantor is someone who steps in to pay the rent if you can’t. If the flat has GLI (Garantie de Loyers Impayés), landlords legally can’t ask for a guarantor on top of that unless certain conditions are met. But if there’s no GLI or you don’t meet the criteria, you’ll need one. This person must pay taxes in France (yes, you'll need to show their tax returns 📄 along with all the standard dossier documents) and earn at least as much as you do or even more 💶. Don’t worry—if one isn’t enough, you can combine multiple guarantors to hit that income mark! If you didn’t catch that, they need to be IN France, a landlord won’t care about your “super rich” aunt back home.

Protip: If you don’t have a French person to act as a garant, there are companies that will act as your garantor for a fee. The most popular in France are: SmartGarant or GarantMe can step in to help.

Finding Your Dream Home: Allons-y! 🏡

Now that we have the boring crap out of the way, let’s get ready to embark on the quest for your dream French abode? Fear not, intrepid traveller, for here are some strategies to make your search delightful:

Online Platforms: Think of online rental platforms as your trusty sidekick, always there to help you find the hidden gems 💎. Explore Leboncoin, SeLoger, Bien'ici, and PAP (Particulier à Particulier), and let their magical search filters transport you to your desired location. There is also Jinka which is an incredible app that helps you dramatically by filtering duplicate listings and helps protect agains scams! Abracadabra! ✨

SCAMS! Please be vigilant when sending your information to suspected landlords as there are a lot of scams out there trying to steal your money and identity 🕵️‍♀️. That is one of the main reasons we created Clairly. Clairly helps protect your private information by only allowing approved and verified landlords onto our platform. NEVER EVER send your money without seeing the property first unless you’re using a reputable 3rd party service like Manda (ex Flatlooker) or OQORO. If the “landlord” asks you to send money via Western Union or a money order, RUN! 🏃‍♀️ It will be a scam. DON’T be afraid to ask for proof of ownership if you are dealing with a private landlord.

Real Estate Agencies: This is where things are a bit different from all the shows like House Hunters International. Agencies in France represent the property, not you, so you need to check their inventory for what you are looking for. They may suggest properties but they have hundreds of people daily asking for apartments so they really don’t have the time.

Protip: When calling agencies, you’ll need to try multiple times a day since they are always busy and get used to speaking French 🙊 . Don’t worry if you’re not fluent, you just need to know the basic question: is the flat available? Does it have a GLI? Would you accept my situation?... if you get a positive response, then organize a viewing AND get their email address, so you can share your dossier ASAP!

Here is a sample email you can use if you’re not using Clairly to share your dossier, which is an utter shame since sharing your dossier with Clairly is completely free and gets a significantly higher acceptance/response rate!

Objet: Dossier de location – (Address of property) – (M/Mme Your name)

Bonjour M/Mme (Person you talked to – hopefully you remember),

Comme convenu pour notre visite prévue au (Address of property) à (Time in 24h), (Date – remember in French) , je vous envoie mon dossier en pièce jointe.

Pour vous rappeler ma situation, voici un bref résumé :

• (Professional situation) avec (Revenu) euros nets

• Un garant en (Professional situation) avec (Revenu) euros nets *If you have one that is French, honestly don’t bother if they’re in a different country.

• Possibilité de souscrire à SmartGarant or Garantme si nécessaire

Je reste à votre disposition pour tout document ou information complémentaire.

Cordialement,

(Your name)

Really, just use Clairly for this!

Relocation Companies or Handholders: If you do want an agent to help you look, there are specialty services that will actively look for you and hand-hold the entire process. These can be pricey, but they put up with a whole lot of malarkey dealing with the ins and outs of rentals.

Networking: Remember, it's not just about what you know, but who you know (or who knows the best pâtisserie in town 🥐). Tap into your network, join expat communities, and Facebook groups, and let their collective wisdom guide you to the hidden treasures of the French rental market. Sharing is caring, mes amis!

Protip: Gens de Confiance is a very trusted online platform where members can post and respond to classified ads, including housing, rentals, and services. It operates on a recommendation basis, so all users must be invited by other members to ensure a more reliable and secure environment.

Note:

Move fast! 🏃‍♀️ Listings for flats go up online and within an hour, all the viewings are snapped up. You need to set up alerts on all the big sites and obsessively refresh agency pages to avoid missing out ⏳. Grab the first available viewing and keep your schedule wide open because, let’s be real, if you’re not reaching out within the first hour or two, the place is probably already gone 👎. France has a serious housing shortage, especially in big cities, so don't expect a second chance! 💥

Important Considerations: Sacré Bleu!

As you delve into the world of French rentals, keep these important factors in mind, while also enjoying a good chuckle and definitely the occasional tears:

The harsh truth is: the situation is shitty. It’s tough enough for French locals to find a place, so if you’re a foreigner, probably not fluent in French, or not the ideal dossier and in a rush, it’s virtually impossible to find a place within a couple of weeks. You have to be incredibly lucky if this happens to you… and I’m jealous if it does! With that said, be ready to extend your Airbnb often or some other longer term temporary accommodation while you hunt for something (remember the type or rental we suggested?). And honestly, your chances of securing a place if you’re not physically or having someone represent you in France are pretty slim.

Budgeting: Ah, money, the language we all understand 💰. Set your rental budget and remember to account for "essentials" like cheese 🧀, wine 🍷, and frequent visits to the boulangerie 🥐. A good rule of thumb is your rent should be 1/3 of your take-home pay. This is standard practice for landlords so keep that in mind.

Note:

Try to get regular employment (CDI) before looking. Given how the law is, approaching an agency saying “I'm filthy rich and don't need a job” or "my baby daddy's paying my bills" is generally not going to cut it. Technically, you can’t pay rent upfront, and they generally don’t care about savings that much, but this has become more and more common practice. If you can’t get regular employment, using a Boosted Clairly Report is essential for you.

Location, Location, Location: Picture yourself as a French detective 🕵️‍♂️, solving the mystery of the perfect neighbourhood. Sure, proximity to cute cafes and bakeries is important (because who can live without daily croissants?), but also think about noise, safety, and, if you’re in a city, the nearest metro stop. And here’s the real kicker: living next to a "big, open space" might sound charming, but in France, that’s often the epicentre of protests. And guess what? Tear gas travels 🚨. So unless you want surprise visits from riot police, you might want to keep that in mind.

Viewing and Assessing Properties: Comedy and Charm Needed! 🎭

Now comes the fun part: property viewing!… with dozens and dozens of random strangers… packed into a 1-bedroom apartment. Channel your inner comedian and charm your way through the process with these tips:

Property Showings: Before even going to the property, have your tenant's dossier ready to provide in person or by email. If emailing, make sure that it is not a scam. Sending your dossier from your Clairly dashboard is a great way to monitor your dossier and control access to it. Most of the time, landlords treat applications as first-come, first-served, so it’s important to act quickly 🕒. In Paris, an apartment can receive over 200 rental applications within 24 hours (you can always retract your dossier if the apartment doesn’t suit you, or you find a better one). When you do go to the property, now it’s time to see if it can be home — check the water pressure, floors, and windows, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Pro tip: if you see someone living in the building, ask them about it… They’ll definitely let you know the gossip about the building.

Language Support: Request property descriptions and documents in English (or your native language) whenever possible. Remember, laughter is the universal language, but understanding the terms and conditions is equally important. Keep communication clear and confusion-free.

Securing Your Dream Rental: Voilà, C'est Magnifique! 🎉

You're almost there! The finish line is in sight 🏁. Just a few more steps to secure your dream rental:

Sharing your dossier: When you’re viewing a property, it is a good idea to have a printed copy and then follow it up with your virtual dossier with Clairly. While it is a legal requirement that a landlord must return or delete your dossier upon request, Clairly is the only way to ensure your data is private with a press of a button on your dashboard.

Property inspection (État des Lieux): There’s no nice way to say this — you need to be as specific as possible during your condition report. Any TINY 🔍 little thing that is missed now will magically show up during the exit condition report… and you’ll pay for it. Literally. You have roughly a week after you move in to make any additional remarks on the report, but do it IN WRITING via email 🧑‍💻. Do call if it’s urgent, but FOLLOW UP IN WRITING! If you make any changes to the property, get written approval from the landlord before you make any modifications. AND after the changes are made, email pictures and write a clear description of the changes, the condition of the changes, anything that wasn’t included in the approval, and make sure the landlord confirms receipt of the notice. Seriously, it’s a sticky situation for a lot of tenants.

Fees, Deposits, and Guarantees: The Reality Check: Ready for the not-so-fun part? Be prepared to hand over a security deposit and possibly find a French guarantor to back you up. Don’t have one? No problem —services like SmartGarant or GarantMe can step in to help. Once the fees are sorted and the paperwork is in order, you’ll finally get those coveted keys to your new place. It’s all part of the process! 🏡

Insurance: Last but not least, protect yourself from rental mishaps with the ultimate magic spell: rental insurance 🛡️. It's like a safety net for your new French life, ensuring that any unexpected surprises won't turn your adventure into a French farce. Also, it’s mandatory, so there’s that.

Conclusion: Vive la France and Cue the Applause! 👏

Bravo! You've reached the end of our delightfully witty guide to renting a home in France. Armed with laughter, and a touch of finesse, you're ready to conquer the French rental scene like a true bon vivant. Embrace the quirks, savour the croissants 🥐, and create unforgettable memories in your new French abode 🏠. And remember, when in doubt, say "oui" to the adventure—and let Clairly handle the rest!

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for entertainment purposes. While it offers practical tips wrapped in humour, always consult local authorities and seek professional advice for specific requirements and regulations. We’ve done our best to point you in the right direction, but we can’t be held responsible for any uncontrollable urges to wear a beret 24/7 (seriously, please don’t) or develop a croissant obsession 🥐.