How long does it take to find something to rent?
If you don’t yet speak French, if you do searches yourself, and when you’ve got time, finding the right home can take up to 6 months, and can be very frustrating.
Can I find temporary housing or hotel while looking for a home?
You will be able to find furnished apartments for short-time periods; they are usually cheaper than hotels, but more expensive than a empty flat you would rent, and eventually rent furniture.
What guarantees will I be asked to be selected as the right candidate as a tenant?
Usually in the Paris area, the landlords ask for 3 or 4 times the rent in net salary. If you are not able to produce that income, you may be asked for a bank guarantee.
A copy of your work contract will be asked, specifying you’re employed for an indefinite period of time and that you are not in a trial period.
What papers will I be asked to book a home?
- ID copy
- Certificate of your company specifying your job position, your income and any housing allowance you may have on top of it
What do I have to check in the lease?
For the empty homes, it is the 6 juillet 1989 law that applies.
You must check that there is the “Clause de mutation”: departure notice of one month instead of 3 legally in case of professional transfer, loss of job or force majeure.
What papers do I need for the signature of the lease?
- Home insurance
- Cheque book
What will I need to pay on top of my rent?
- The charges are to be added to the rent; there are normally between 10/20 % of the rent. They cover the maintaining of the building, the lift, the gardien, sometimes the heating and hot water when they’re collective.
- Commission d’agence (agency commission): usually around one month’s rent.
- Taxe d’habitation: payable once a year in November if you were there on January the 1rst. It covers the maintaining of the area, garbage, etc…
- Dépôt de garantie (Security Deposit): it is equal to 2 months rent and reimbursed when you leave after the departure inventory if the estate of the lodging is correct.
What is the duration of the lease?
The leases for empty housings are either 3, 6 or 9 years long. You, as a tenant, can cease the lease when you wish, respecting a departure notice of 3 months or 1 month in certain circumstances.
