Renting in France: a guide for expat tenants (2024)

Moving to France is a big adventure, but finding the right home can take a lot of work. There are certain rules for rentingresidence in Francewhich a new mover should be aware of before signing a French rental contract.

This guide covers what you need to know, with sections on:

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Rent in France

If you are moving to France and need to arrange accommodation, renting is a popular option. All around36% of the French populationrent their home, which is in line with the EU average. This includes many expats who choose to rent, especially during the first period of their stay.

Just over half of those renting in France rent their accommodation on the private market, and there are many websites, agencies and brokers to help you search and find accommodation. As in many countries, housing types and prices can vary greatly. It is understandable that big cities like Paris are more expensive than other parts of the country.

Like other places in Europe, the housing market took a downturn after the 2008 global financial crisis, but has risen steadily since 2015.

The Ministry of Territorial Cohesion and Relations with Local Governments isFrench public servicetoday responsible for housing.

Popular rental properties in France

France is a diverse country with clear regional differences. Where you choose to live can be based on many factors, such as the lifestyle offered, job opportunities, cost of living or expat community life.

Some of the most popular places in France are:

Paris

The capital and economic center of France, understandably popular with working-age foreigners. Like many capitals, Paris is cosmopolitan, culturally rich and has a vibrant nightlife in the city. According to the 2011 census it is a multicultural city. According to the 2011 census, just over 20% of the population was born abroad.

However, it is the most expensive city in France. Renting a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to €2,500.

See our guides aboutwhere to live in ParisInsuburbs around Parisfor more detailed information.

Montpellier

Located in the south of France, Montpellier offers a quieter life than Paris, while still remaining culturally interesting and vibrant with plenty to offer expats. It is a popular place among British expats: between 15 and 20% of the British population in France live in the city.

It's also more affordable than Paris, with a one-bedroom home costing around €600-€650 per month.

On a

Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Nice is a coastal city in the south with a warm climate and beautiful scenery. Anotherpopular French city with expats, especially retirees attracted by the slower pace of life. It's more expensive than Montpellier, but you can still find one-bed apartments for around €750 per month.

Dordogne

This French department is located directly outsideBordeauxSouth-west France is full of rural villages and picturesque landscapes. As such, it is perfect for expats looking to escape the busy city life. It is home to many retired expats who come for the weather, cuisine and idyllic views.

Housing costs vary, although it is generally cheaper to live in the Dordogne than in one of the larger cities. See our guide to moving toDordognefor information only.

Other regions of France are popular with expats

• La Drôme in southeastern France is very popular with Dutch and British expats (and tourists in the summer months). Life in the French countryside is peaceful and cheaper or has a lot of bureaucracy than in the big cities.
• Lyon, France's third largest city, is known for its gastronomy and rich cultural life, but its bourgeois traditions can make the city a bit more socially rigid.
• Marseille on the Mediterranean coast is a huge bustling metropolis with a large foreign population (mainly from North Africa). Diversity has led to some social tensions, but Marseille's colorful personality nevertheless has many fans.

Buying versus renting in France

While people in rural France typically own their homes, in cities it is common to rent an apartment, even for very long periods. When deciding whether to buy or rent property in France, you need to consider the different factors and decide what makes the most sense for you.

For example, renting may be a good idea if you are moving to the country for the first time or if you are not sure how long you will stay. You have flexibility, less responsibility and benefit from tenant protection in France.

However, you won't have a place to truly call your own and you may be limited when it comes to making changes to the property. It can also be difficult to find affordable rental prices in some of the more desirable areas.

Buying can save you money in the long run and give you the freedom to renovate as you wish. However, France has relatively high transaction costs of approximately 16% of the value of the property. This means that if you expect to move within three to five years, the additional costs associated with the purchase will likely exceed any profit you make.

If you are looking for help getting a mortgage in France, companies such asLoan broker Francespecializes in helping international.

Types of properties to rent in France

There are different types of properties for rent in France. If you rent in the city, most homes are apartments (apartments) or houses (houses).Housescan be free-standing, semi-detached or semi-detached.

In rural and suburban areas you can find a greater variety of homes built in different styles. Some of the property types you can find for rent in France include:

• Bastide:detached, square stone buildings with flat roofs, typically found in rural areas
• Domain:a property that typically comes with additional land (e.g. vineyards)
• Farm/cottage:landed property, usually with adjacent land
• Flag:Franse bungalow
• Further:long, rectangular, one-storey building, sometimes a converted barn
• Gentlemen:traditional farmhouse found in Provence

In France you will find both furnished and unfurnished rental properties. Furnished rentals are usually associated with short-term rentals. Upholstered (see ) properties typically offer more tenant protections, flexibility to make changes, and longer rental periods. Furnished (furnished) Homes generally have a one-year lease, while a standard lease for an unfurnished home is three years.

French landlords have sometimes tried in the past to pass off unfurnished properties as furnished to take advantage of shorter contracts and fewer tenancy rights. However, the French government has determined that furnished accommodation must meet certain requirements to be classified as such.

Legally, a furnished home must be equipped with bedding, cooking facilities (oven or microwave), refrigerator, freezer, crockery, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs, storage shelves, lighting and cleaning equipment.

If you decide to rent a furnished property in France, make sure these are included.

Finding a rental property in France

You can find rental properties in France in several ways, including websites, real estate agents (broker)and classified ads in newspapers. Country properties can be harder to find, both online and in person, so you may need to use a real estate agent.

Advertisem*nts usually indicate the living area in square meters. Under 40 square meters is considered a small apartment, while anything over 100 square meters is categorized as large. This also applies to areas such as balconies and hallways.

The online portal

You can find rental properties on various real estate websites that allow you to search by region, price, property type, etc. Many of them are in French, but you can translate if you use a browser such as Google Chrome. Some popular sites are:

• For sale for rent
• Airbnb(temporary stay)
• Blueground
• Domestic
• Special to special(PAP)
• SeLoger
• Spotahome

Real estate agents

Estate agents in France are being calledReal estate agents. They manage a large part of the rental properties in France and many expats prefer to use an estate agent, especially if they are renting for the first time.

A lot ofReal estate agentshave both websites and physical offices that you can visit. To use the services, you may be required to register and make an appointment at the local branch.

All agents in France are required by law to have onebusiness card, which is a guarantee that they have the necessary qualifications and experience for the position. Most should be members of one of the three main professional organizations in France, namely:

• National Real Estate Federation (FNAIM)
• National Union of Real Estate Professionals (SPI)
• Union Nationale de la Propriete Immobiliere (UNPI)

If you use a substance, it is wise to ensure that it belongs to at least one of these organs and can produce oneprofessional card.

Brokercosts vary. However, most fees are capped and agencies should post a list of fees in their office or on their website so you can see how much the cost will be. Some costs are shared between landlord and tenant, while others are charged solely by the landlord, although landlords may take costs into account when setting the rental price.

Agencies specialized in furnished rental

If you are looking for furnished accommodation, there are agencies specializing in the rental of furnished apartments and holiday homes, such asParisian attitude. These are usually for shorter rental periods than unfurnished properties, where leases last from several months to a year.

Agencies specialized in expat rentals

You can find specialist expat agencies offering English-speaking services and knowledge of the expat market in France. They will often be brokers who have contacts for multiple companiesReal estate agentsIn France.

Providers include:

• French owned
• Long term rental
• Parisian attitude(for apartments for rent in Paris)

Study room

If you study in France, you have the option of renting a dormitory on the university campus or looking for private accommodation (alone or as an apartment).

Student houses are the cheapest option but are often oversubscribed, especially in cities like Paris, so it is advisable to inquire months in advance.

The university accommodation is managed by the Center National des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS) and there areinformation on the websiteon how to request and search for accommodation on siteprivate student housing.

The cost of university rooms outside Paris can be as cheap as €120 per month. Private options are a little more expensive, but there are still plenty of affordable places. Good sites to try are:

• The Association for Economic Development and Student Housing (ADELE)
• Student Housing Center in France (KEY)
• Residences Estudines

Apartment sharing can be a great way to reduce housing costs if you don't mind living with others. Many of the online portals have the option to search for apartment or home shares, just like the student housing sites. You can also try specialized sites such asEasyRoomMateofSend it.

When looking for shared accommodation, you need to take additional factors into account, such as finding suitable accommodation, arranging cleaning routes and arranging the division of household bills.

When renting a condominium, the contract must include the names of all tenants on the agreement. Sometimes tenants sublet rooms to others, which is not against the law, but means newer tenants have less legal protection.

If you are renting a room that is being sublet, ask for a written agreement that includes some basic terms and conditions, such as the rental amount and notice periods. This doesn't have to be long: just one A4 page with the most important points to protect you during your stay.

How do you rent a property in France?

Rental through broker

If you go through abrokerWhen renting in France you usually have to pay administration costs. This includes mediation activities such as finding and showing the property, arranging the rental agreement and handing over the keys.

Renting through an estate agency is usually higher than renting directly from a landlord in France. This is because the real estate agency charges the landlord monthly administration costs (approximately 10-15%), which are often passed on to the tenant.

The real estate agency will usually charge at least one month's rent, the deposit and administration costs in advance. Most agents will want to run a credit check to ensure there are no outstanding debts, especially for tenants coming from abroad.

Normally you need to specify:

• Passport or valid ID
• Proof ofFrench residence status
• Proof of income (usually three monthsaccount statement). If you have not worked in France, you may be asked to provide proof of income for the past three years.
• References from previous landlords (if you have rented in France before)

You can readthe complete government list(in French) of what a landlord can legally ask you to provide; it is illegal for the landlord to request a bank statement. In return, the landlord is obliged to provide the tenant with certain documents, including, for example, an energy assessment, a master report and a risk/safety report of the property.

Rent directly through a landlord

Private rental directly through the landlord is also called in Francespecial to special(person to person). This is cheaper and easier than renting through onebroker, but it can be riskier if not done properly, so make sure everything is fully contracted.

You can find rental properties from private landlords on some of the websites mentioned in the sections above, as well as in local newspapers, public notice boards and posting sites such asParuVendu.

Most rentals made directly through landlords in France are unfurnished properties with longer leases (three years). This is because landlords understandably do not want to deal with multiple tenant changes. Rental agreements, including notice periods, security deposits and landlord responsibilities, should be broadly the same as agency agreements. If you are unsure about anything, ask a lawyer well versed in housing rights in France to review the contract before signing it.

Rental costs in France

Monthly rent

Rental prices vary widely in France depending on factors such as region, neighborhood and property type. Furnished properties typically have bills included in the cost, while unfurnished spaces are typically advertised on a rental cost basis only. However, this is not always the case, so check beforehand.

According toNumbeothe current average rental prices throughout France are:

• €525-665 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
• €965–1,300 per month for a three-bedroom apartment

Costs are higher in larger, more densely populated cities. For example, current average prices in Paris are:

• €850-€1,150 per month for a one-room apartment
• €1,750–2,600 per month for a three-bedroom apartment

Some areas in France where demand is high are rent controlled (tense area). You can check with the official to which areas this appliesinternet kantby entering the zip code of the area. If you live in a rent-controlled environment and feel you are being charged too much, you can request a revaluation.

Landlords are allowed to increase the rent once a year and this must be in line with inflation or what is stated in the lease. The increase may not be greater than the change inbenchmark leje (IRL)published every quarterINCIE.

Normally the rent is charged monthly in advance. The most convenient way to do this is to request a direct debit or standing order from your bank. However, your landlord is not allowed to insist that you do this.

Rental deposit

Most estate agents and landlords in France require you to pay a deposit in advance when you move into a rental property. This is to cover costs such as damage and unpaid bills.

The deposit amounts to a maximum of one month's rent and must be returned to the tenant no later than two months after the end of the rental, minus any costs owed.

It is recommended that the security deposit be deposited into a joint escrow account, which requires the signature of both the landlord and the tenant before the money is withdrawn. Otherwise, make sure you get a receipt that the amount transferred is below the deposit (borg).

Mediation/administration costs

If you rent through an agent, there are usually costs involved. Some of these are shared between landlord and tenant, others are the sole responsibility of the landlord. With split fees, the tenant cannot be charged more than the landlord.

The fees are limited to the tenant and the agency must clearly post these on their premises and websites.Ongoing costsInvolving:

• Administrative work, including tenant screenings, drawing up a tenant file and drawing up the rental contract: €8-12 per
• The storage costs are shared between tenant and landlord, but must remain within the limit of € 3 per square meter
• Rental extension: €8-12 per square meter

Rental administration costs are borne by the landlord and not by the tenant. However, landlords can take these costs into account when setting rents, which leads to more expensive rents.

Other expenses

When you rent in France, you must take into account a number of other housing costs. These may include:

• French utilitiesand invoices fromFrench telecommunications providers
• Taxes such as property taxes (residential tax). You must inform the French tax authorities (Tax Center), when you move to a French property so that you can be billed accordingly.
• Insurance in France- some landlords insist on taking out building insurance. Even if this isn't the case, you may want to consider home contents insurance to protect your belongings.
• Furnishings: If your French apartment is rented unfurnished, you may need to budget for furnishings such as sofas, beds, tables and kitchen appliances.

Help with costs

There are three types of housing benefit in France. These are:

• Personal housing allowance (APL)
• Family rental allowance (ALF)
• Rent allowance (ALS)

Read more about these supplementsher. You can also read about getting itstaffto finance your rental deposit or to provide a deposit for unpaid rent and costs.

Social housing in France

In addition to housing allowances and benefits for tenants in the private sector, France has a social housing scheme. Social houses in France are mentionedLow-income housing(HLM).

In 1998, a law was passed requiring each territory to have 20% HLM shares, although this was not met. Currently, approximately 18% of French households live in social housing.

HLMs are offered by both public and private housing associations. Many of these are regional organizations, such as Paris Habitat. Rent is reduced, usually between 50-66% of market prices.

As in other countries, such as Great Britain, demand for social housing exceeds supply and waiting lists are long. To qualify for HLM accommodation, you must earn less than a low income ceiling (based on geographic area and level of need). Priority is given to certain groups, such as:

• Homeless people
• Families with young children or expectant mothers
• Those with disabilities
• People in sudden financial trouble

More information about applying for HLM can be found atFrench government website. To register an application for social housing, go togovernment website about housing.

Rental agreements in France

the rental contract (rent) is the written agreement between tenant and landlord/agency. It must be signed at or before the start of the rental period. The tenant must at this time pay the first rental amount and the deposit.

Lease agreements in France must include at least the following:

• Names of tenant(s) and landlord
• Details of the property being rented
• Contract commencement date
• Duration of the agreement (for example one year or three years)
• Rent and rental deposit
• Details of any other charges payable to the landlord (e.g. utility bills)
• Information about notice periods
• Rights and obligations of landlord and tenant
• Size of the home (unfurnished only)
• Landlord and tenant signatures

Rental agreements must also include a condition report, inventory and energy performance report. Unlike real estate sales contracts, rental agreements do not need to be witnessed by a notary (applications).

Your rental contract – whether it concerns an unfurnished or furnished home – will be automatically extended unless the landlord or tenant terminates in time.

Here you will see examples of contracts for furnished and unfurnished rentalsher.

Rights and obligations of tenants in France

The French legal system is strongly pro-tenant. Once the keys have been handed over, the landlord has no right to enter the property without the tenant's consent and may be charged with trespass or intimidation for doing so.

The landlord does not have the right to check the tenant, for example an annual home inspection, unless this has been agreed in the rental agreement. However, they have the right to enter the property to carry out essential work and routine maintenance (but not improvements to the property) and the tenant must allow this.

Full details of rights and obligations must be stated in the rental agreement. In general, the tenant's duties will include:

• Pay the rent and any bills on time
• Follow the house rules as stated in the contract
• Carrying out minor repairs and routine maintenance (e.g. garden maintenance, repairing basic interior damage, minor plumbing/gas/electrical issues)
• Pay for the repair of damage caused by them

It is also legal tosublet in France, provided you have official written permission from your landlord and the sublet does not exceed the amount paid by the main tenant. Major changes to the furnishings usually require prior permission from the landlord.

Rights and obligations of landlords in France

The landlord has the right to visit the property when carrying out major repair work or if the tenant has violated the rental conditions. However, sufficient notice must be given (usually 24-48 hours).

Landlords in France have the right to terminate the lease if they can show good cause, for example non-payment of rent, but they must follow strict legal procedures.

In the event of non-payment of rent, the landlord will have to go to court for judicial dissolution if there is no termination clause in the rental agreement. The judge assesses the situation - including the tenant's financial situation - and can issue a notice of termination. The tenant will be served with an eviction notice, usually two months after receiving the notice, although magistrates have the power to grant extensions.See herfor information only.

Landlords' obligations in France generally include:

• Carrying out major repairs where necessary
• Respect the tenant's privacy, only come by to carry out repairs and report this in a timely manner
• Ensure decent and safe housing
• Reimbursem*nt for major repairs and replacement of damaged equipment supplied with the accommodation (e.g. washing machine), unless the tenant was responsible for the damage
• To provide the tenant with a receipt for rent paid

Under French housing law, landlords must also allow tenants to keep pets if they wish.

Where to go in the event of a dispute

If you disagree with your landlord, you can contact themThe Commission's Conciliation Department(CDC), which helps resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. You can also checkANIL(French only), the national housing information organization that can provide free legal advice.

If you have a problem with neighbors, for example if they are constantly noisy or antisocial, then that is possiblereport the problemto local authorities.

Utilities and telecommunications in France

Depending on the property you move into and your lease, you may be responsible for setting up bills for things like electricity, gas, internet, telephone and TV if you rent in France.

With some rental agreements, especially furnished ones, the landlord arranges this and invoices you together with the rental price. They should give you an overview of these costs.

If you are responsible for these matters yourself, you can read what to do in our manualscreation of utilities in FranceIntelecommunications in France.

Moving in and out of France

After you have signed the rental contract and paid the first rental payment, the security deposit and any other costs due, you will immediately receive the keys to your home.

In addition to the rental agreement, you must have an inventory (inventory) describing the nature and condition of any items belonging to the landlord in the home. This includes furniture, fixtures and fittings.

This will form the basis for negotiations about the refund of the deposit in the event of eviction. You will not be charged for normal wear and tear, but you are generally expected to return the property as found. If items need to be replaced due to wear and tear during your tenure, it is best to notify your landlord and request replacement at that time, rather than waiting until you move out.

Check the inventory thoroughly before signing it and report any discrepancies immediately to ensure they do not become a problem during your trip.

To move house

If one of the parties wishes to cancel, this must be done in writing. You must do this by registered letter (recommend), delivered by a bailiff (whor*), or personally delivered with acknowledgment of receipt and annotated. You can find registered letters at any post office for a few euros.

Minimum notice periods in France are:

• Furnished rental property:one month if given by tenants, three months if given by landlords
• Unfurnished rental property:1-3 months from tenants (depending on region and tenant conditions), six months from landlords

Landlords can only terminate the agreement if the tenant fails to pay the rent/bills, violates the terms of the contract, or if the landlord wants to sell or reoccupy the property. Tenants can cancel at any time. Landlords must wait until there are six months or less left on the lease unless they want to go to court.

Your deposit must be returned to you within two months of leaving the property if there are any disputes, or within one month if there are no issues. If you have not received your deposit after this time, you can file a complaint withThe Commission's Conciliation Department(CDC).

Use this checklist abovethings to do before leaving your apartment in Franceto ensure everything is completed correctly. If you need help with your move or cleaning, it is often worth getting extra help. For example, you can hire a helper or professional contractor through an online platform such asAssignmentRabbit.

Tips for tenants in France

• Explore all options when looking for housing (websites, real estate agents, classifieds, etc.) to maximize your chances of finding a good place, and be prepared to sign quickly when you find a suitable place.
• Read the lease before signing to ensure you are happy with it and familiarize yourself with the rules and obligations. If there is something you don't like, ask to have it changed or removed.
• Take meter readings for utilities when you move in and out to avoid paying fees for periods when you were not there.
• Are you concerned about rental costs? Then check whether you are eligible for social housing or housing allowance.

Useful resources

• Service-public– Website of the French government with information about renting accommodation in France
• Public housing application– portal for information and services related to social housing
• National Agency for Housing Information (ANIL)– information and advice about housing and tenants' rights