Renting an Apartment in France: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats
Moving to France? Learn how to rent an apartment in France as an expat with this step-by-step guide covering vocabulary, documents, and key tips.
🧳 New Life, New Home: How to Navigate the French Rental Market with Confidence
You’ve made the decision to move to France—maybe for work, study, retirement, or simply a long-awaited adventure. You’re dreaming of café mornings, weekend markets, scenic train rides, and perhaps a little joie de vivre. But before any of that begins, there’s one major hurdle to cross: finding and renting an apartment.
For many expats, this part of the move can feel overwhelming. Between unfamiliar vocabulary, cultural quirks, and paperwork requirements that seem pulled from the 19th century, renting an apartment in France is rarely straightforward—but it’s absolutely doable when you know what to expect.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the rental process in France. From searching and visiting listings, to understanding contracts and dealing with landlords (les propriétaires), you’ll get practical advice, useful French phrases, and tips tailored to expats. Whether you’re headed to Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, or a small village in Provence, this step-by-step breakdown will help you settle into your new French home with confidence.
Let’s begin!
🏙️ Part 1: Understanding the French Rental Landscape
Types of Rental Properties in France
Studio – One-room apartment with a kitchenette and bathroom
T1 / T2 / T3… – T1 = 1 separate room, T2 = 2 rooms (living + bedroom), etc.
Furnished (meublé) vs Unfurnished (non meublé) – Furnished apartments include basics like a bed, table, kitchenware; unfurnished often means bare walls and no light fixtures.
Colocation – Shared apartments, ideal for students or younger expats.
🧠Tip: In France, the kitchen is often minimal—even in furnished apartments. Always check what’s included.
🔎 Part 2: Where and How to Search for an Apartment
Best Websites for Apartment Listings:
Seloger.com – Popular and widely used
Leboncoin.fr – France’s version of Craigslist
PAP.fr – Direct owner-to-tenant rentals (no agency fees)
🧠Tip: Always double-check if charges include electricity, water, internet—sometimes they only cover building fees.
đź“‚ Part 3: What You Need to Rent as an Expat
Here’s where things can get tricky for non-French citizens. To secure a rental, you’ll need a solid application file, called “le dossier de location.”
Standard Documents Required:
ID – Passport or residence permit (titre de séjour)
Proof of income – Three months’ pay slips (fiches de paie) or job contract
Tax notice (avis d’imposition) – May be requested if you’ve lived in France
Proof of address – Current utility bill or lease
RIB (Relevé d’identité bancaire) – French bank account details
Guarantor (un garant) – Often required unless you earn 3x the rent
🧠Tip: If you don’t have a French guarantor, services like Garantme or Visale can act as official substitutes.
đź‘€ Part 4: Visiting the Apartment and Asking the Right Questions
Setting Up a Viewing:
Bonjour, je vous contacte au sujet de l’annonce pour l’appartement à louer…
Hello, I’m contacting you about the apartment for rent…Est-il toujours disponible ? Puis-je le visiter ?
Is it still available? May I visit?
Questions to Ask at the Viewing:
Quels sont les charges comprises ?
What utilities are included?Est-ce qu’il y a du double vitrage ?
Is there double-glazed window insulation?À combien s’élève la caution ?
How much is the deposit?Quand est-il disponible ?
When is it available?Le quartier est-il calme ?
Is the neighborhood quiet?
Red Flags to Watch For:
No written lease
Refusal to give receipts or rental statements
Extremely low rent that seems too good to be true
Landlord asks for cash-only payments
🖊️ Part 5: Signing the Lease and Understanding the Contract
In France, the lease is known as le bail and should always be signed in writing.
Standard Lease Lengths:
Unfurnished apartments – 3 years, renewable
Furnished apartments – 1 year (or 9 months for students)
Important Clauses:
Renewal is automatic unless notice is given
Rent increases follow official indices (not random hikes)
If the landlord lives in the same building, they may have more leniency
🧹 Part 6: Moving In – Inventory and Responsibilities
When moving in, you’ll complete the état des lieux, a detailed inspection with notes on every wall, floor, appliance, and socket.
🧠Tip: Take your own photos, even if the landlord says it’s “fine.” You’ll thank yourself later during check-out.
Tenant Responsibilities:
Pay rent on time
Keep the property clean and well-maintained
Arrange home insurance (assurance habitation)—this is mandatory!
Utilities You May Need to Set Up:
Electricity – EDF, Engie, or Ohm
Internet – Free, SFR, Orange, or Bouygues
Water and Gas – Often handled by building management
🚪 Part 7: Ending the Lease and Moving Out
To leave your apartment legally, you’ll need to send a written notice (lettre de préavis).
Standard Notice Periods:
Unfurnished – 3 months
Furnished – 1 month
🧠Tip: In some cities (zones tendues, or tight markets), you only need to give 1 month’s notice for unfurnished apartments too.
Moving Out Checklist:
Clean the apartment thoroughly
Remove furniture (if unfurnished)
Complete Ă©tat des lieux de sortie with landlord
Return all keys
Receive your deposit back (usually within 1–2 months)
🧠Why Learning French Makes a Huge Difference
Renting in France involves paperwork, communication, and subtle cultural cues. Even if you rely on agents or expat services, knowing how to speak basic French helps you:
Ask questions clearly
Negotiate respectfully
Read leases without relying on translation
Understand neighborhood descriptions
Build trust with landlords and agents
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we believe that learning French isn't just about vocabulary—it's about unlocking real-life opportunities, like finding your dream apartment in Paris, Lyon, or Montpellier.
âť“FAQs: Renting in France as an Expat
Q: Do I need to speak French to rent an apartment?
A: Not necessarily—but it helps. Some landlords or agencies may not speak English, especially outside big cities.
Q: How much is a typical deposit?
A: Usually one month of rent for unfurnished, or two months for furnished.
Q: Can I rent without a French bank account?
A: It’s difficult. Most landlords require a French RIB. Opening an account should be one of your first steps after arriving.
Q: Is it hard to find a furnished apartment?
A: Not in cities with lots of students or expats. But furnished apartments often cost more and have shorter lease terms.
Q: What’s the difference between a private landlord and an agency?
A: Agencies charge fees but may provide more structure. Private landlords may be more flexible—but also vary widely in professionalism.
🏫 Ready to Use Your French for Real Life in France?
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in helping learners like you feel confident in everyday situations—from renting apartments to ordering pastries.
✅ Small group classes (3–6 students)
âś… Travel, relocation, and real-life focused curriculum
âś… In-person and online options in Berkeley
âś… Taught by experienced instructors who know how life in France actually works
🏡 Join us today and start preparing for your real life in France—language, culture, and all.