How to Find an Apartment in France as an Expat (Without the Stress!)

Moving to France is exciting, but finding a place to live? That can be a challenge—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the rental market, paperwork, and local rules. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to find and secure an apartment in France with as little stress as possible.

🏡 Step 1: Understand the French Rental Market

Before diving in, here’s what you need to know:

✅ Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Unfurnished rentals (non-meublé) require a 3-year lease, while furnished rentals (meublé) usually have a 1-year lease (or 9 months for students).
✅ Apartments Go Fast! Good rentals in big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse disappear quickly. Be prepared to act fast.
✅ You’ll Need a “Dossier” (Rental File): French landlords require proof of financial stability before renting to you.

📂 Step 2: Prepare Your Rental Dossier

To be taken seriously as a tenant, you must have a complete rental file. This usually includes:

📌 A copy of your passport or residence permit
📌 Proof of income (last three payslips or an employment contract)
📌 Tax return (Avis d’imposition) if available
📌 RIB (French bank details) – Some landlords prefer tenants with a French bank account
📌 Guarantor (Garant): If you don’t have a French job, landlords may ask for a local guarantor or require you to use a rent guarantee service like Garantme or Visale (for students and young professionals).

🔎 Step 3: Where to Look for Apartments in France

Here are the best platforms to find rentals in France:

🔹 SeLoger (www.seloger.com) – One of the largest property sites
🔹 Leboncoin (www.leboncoin.fr) – Like Craigslist, with many rental listings
🔹 PAP (www.pap.fr) – Direct from landlords (no agency fees)
🔹 Studapart (www.studapart.com) – Ideal for students and young professionals
🔹 Facebook Groups – Search for “[City Name] Apartments” or “Expats in [City]” for rental listings

Tip: If you’re searching from abroad, consider booking a short-term rental (Airbnb, Coliving, or student residence) for your first month in France so you can visit apartments in person.

📞 Step 4: Contacting Landlords & Scheduling Visits

Once you find an apartment you like, reach out immediately! Since demand is high, be prepared to:

✅ Call instead of emailing – It’s faster, and you’ll get a response quicker.
✅ Speak some French (or use Google Translate) – Many landlords don’t speak English.
✅ Be flexible with visit times – The faster you can visit, the better your chances.

💰 Step 5: Understanding the Costs

Before signing a lease, be aware of these costs:

💶 Deposit: Usually one month’s rent for unfurnished, two months’ rent for furnished.
💶 Agency Fees: If renting through an agency, expect fees of €8–€15 per square meter.
💶 Utilities: Rent may not include water, electricity, or internet. Expect around €100–€200/month for these.

📝 Step 6: Signing the Lease & Moving In

Once you’ve been approved, here’s what happens next:

✅ Review the lease (Bail de Location) – Make sure everything is clear before signing.
✅ Do an “État des lieux” (Inventory Check) – This document records the condition of the apartment. Check everything carefully!
✅ Set up utilities – You’ll need to open accounts for electricity (EDF, Engie), internet, and renter’s insurance (mandatory in France).

🚀 Bonus: Need Help? We Can Assist!

Finding an apartment in France isn’t always easy, but Le Petit Guide can make it stress-free. We help with:

✅ Personalized housing searches
✅ Booking apartment visits
✅ Navigating paperwork & contracts
✅ Setting up utilities & renter’s insurance

Want expert help with your move? Contact us today!