How to Rent a Place in France

Finding a home in France can be both exciting and overwhelming. The French rental system is quite different from what many international residents are used to: it’s document-heavy, competitive, and often entirely in French. This guide walks you through the process step by step, from where to look to how to prepare your file and finally move in.

1. Where to Search for Apartments

Unlike in some countries, France doesn’t have a single website that centralizes every available apartment. Each agency or owner posts listings on different platforms, and some properties are never advertised publicly.

If you’re searching on your own, here are a few of the main sites used across France:SeLoger, LeBonCoin, PAP (Particulier à Particulier), Bien’ici, Logic-Immo, and Figaro Immobilier, and there are dozens of others. For furnished or short-term rentals, you can also check Airbnb, HousingAnywhere, or ParisAttitude.

That said, even with all these tools, you’ll quickly notice how fragmented the market is. Professional platforms used by licensed agents provide a much more complete overview, often including off-market listings that aren’t accessible to the public. At Guava Paris, we work with these tools that let us explore the complete market and find opportunities that aren’t visible online.

2. Understanding the Market

In large cities such as Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, or Marseille, demand for quality rentals far exceeds supply. A 50m² apartment in Paris renting for around €2,000 per month can receive 20 to 30 applications within hours.

Because of this, landlords and agencies can be very selective. They’ll almost always prioritize applicants who submit complete, well-organized files and who can communicate easily, ideally in French. For non-French speakers, this step is often one of the main difficulties. A simple language barrier can make things slower or more complicated.

3. Preparing Your Rental File (“Dossier de Location”)

In France, applying for an apartment means presenting a dossier, a structured file that proves who you are and that you’re financially reliable. A typical dossier includes:

• A copy of your passport or ID

• Proof of income (three recent payslips, tax return, or work contract)

• Proof of current address (utility bill or rental receipt)

• Bank statements (occasionally requested)

• Guarantor documents, if applicable

  
  

Landlords rarely take risks; they want to be sure the rent will be paid. If your dossier is incomplete or disorganized, it’s usually not even considered. That’s why taking time to prepare it carefully, ideally in French and in a clear format, makes a real difference.

Unfortunately, French applicants are often given priority because their files are easier for landlords and agencies to understand. This is something we help our clients with, making sure their applications are clear, complete, and stand out at the top of the pile.

4. The “Three Times the Rent” Rule and the Need for a Guarantor

A well-known rule in France is that your income should equal at least three times the rent. For example, if the rent is €2,000, your income (or combined household income) should be at least €6,000 net per month.

If you don’t meet this threshold, most landlords will ask for a guarantor (“garant”), someone who commits to paying if you can’t. Options include:

• A French-based guarantor (relative, employer, or friend)

• Online services such as GarantMe, Visale, Cautioneo, or Unkle, which can act as official guarantors for a small fee

  
  

It’s a system designed to protect owners in case of unpaid rent, but it can be difficult to navigate if you’re new to France or working abroad. This is one of the many areas where having local help can save a lot of time.

5. Communication and Language

Most property owners and agents communicate only in French. Even if a listing appears on an English-friendly platform, it’s very likely that all follow-up discussions will happen in French.

A few polite lines such as “Bonjour, je suis intéressé par votre appartement…” can already help you make a good impression. The French rental market is personal; landlords often choose a tenant they feel comfortable with, not just the highest earner. For newcomers, language can be a real obstacle, but it’s also something you can work around by preparing messages in advance or by having someone bilingual assist you during the process.

6. Visiting Apartments

Once your file is ready, you can start booking visits. In big cities, viewings are often very short and group-based, sometimes only ten minutes long.If you like a property, it’s essential to send your application immediately after the visit. Waiting even half a day can mean missing out.

Be on time, bring your dossier (digital or printed), and express your interest clearly. Small gestures such as a smile, a thank-you message, or a brief follow-up can go a long way in such a competitive environment.

7. The Different Lease Types (“Baux”)

French rental law offers several types of leases:

• Unfurnished lease (“bail vide”): usually for 3 years, renewable. Rents are often lower, but the property comes without furniture or equipment.

• Furnished lease (“bail meublé”): typically for 1 year, renewable (or 9 months for students). Includes basic furniture and appliances.

• Civil lease (“bail code civil”): used for non-residents or secondary homes, offering more flexibility.

• Mobility lease (“bail mobilité”): short-term lease (1–10 months) for professionals, interns, or temporary residents.

Furnished rentals tend to be more practical for newcomers, while unfurnished ones are cheaper in the long run. 

8. After Being Accepted: Fees, Deposits, and Practicalities

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to

• Pay the security deposit (one or two months of rent)

• Pay the first month’s rent

• Cover agency fees, if applicable (these are legally capped)

• Take out home insurance (“assurance habitation”), which is mandatory in France

  
  

You’ll also need to set up your basic utilities:

• Electricity and gas: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, Eni

• Internet: Orange, Free, SFR, Bouygues

  
  

Most providers have online forms but limited English support. Having your address and lease contract ready will make the process smoother. This part can be frustrating at first, but once everything is in place, it becomes routine.

9. Why the Address Is So Important

Your French address is not just for your lease; it’s also required for many administrative steps such as opening a bank account, applying for a visa, subscribing to insurance, or getting healthcare. Many newcomers choose to secure a rental before arriving in France. It gives them an address to use for official paperwork and makes settling in much easier.

10. A Process That Can Be Complex, but Worth It

Even for French citizens, renting an apartment involves patience, paperwork, and persistence. For foreigners, the challenge is greater: the language, the cultural codes, and the high competition make it hard to navigate alone. Some steps such as creating a strong dossier, communicating in French, or understanding lease terms can be discouraging at first. But once you know how things work, the system becomes predictable and fair.

If you’re planning a move to France and would rather have support throughout the process, Guava Paris assists international clients in finding and securing apartments. We work with professional tools that provide access to the entire market (including off-market listings), help prepare strong rental files, and manage communication and visits, even remotely before you arrive.

We’ve helped many families and professionals settle into their new homes across France, from Paris to Provence. Whether you do it alone or with help, the most important thing is to approach your search prepared, informed, and with a bit of patience.

Finding a home in France takes effort, but it’s absolutely possible. Once you’ve signed that lease and picked up your keys, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.