πŸ‡«πŸ‡·

France Housing Guide

Strong tenant protections, APL housing aid for EVERYONE (yes, even students!), but Paris = brutal competition.

🏠 Housing Types

🏒 Apartments (Appartement)

β€’ Studio, T1, T2, T3+ (T = rooms)
β€’ Paris studio: €900-1,500/mo
β€’ Lyon studio: €500-700/mo
β€’ MeublΓ© (furnished): 1-year lease
β€’ Vide (unfurnished): 3-year lease
β€’ Most common in cities

🏑 Houses (Maison)

β€’ More common outside Paris
β€’ Province: €600-1,200/mo
β€’ Garden, garage
β€’ Rural France = incredibly affordable
β€’ Some villages offer houses for €1 (depopulation!)

🎁 APL (Housing Aid!)

β€’ CAF/APL = government pays part of your rent!
β€’ Available to EVERYONE (students, workers, expats!)
β€’ Amount: €50-300/month depending on income
β€’ Apply via CAF.fr
β€’ Even as a student from abroad, you can get APL
β€’ One of France's best perks!

πŸ“‹ Renting in France

  • Dossier de location: You need: ID, 3 payslips (income 3x rent), tax return, employer contract. VERY competitive in Paris.
  • Caution (deposit): 1 month rent (unfurnished), 2 months (furnished). Must be returned within 1-2 months.
  • Garant (guarantor): Required if income <3x rent. Visale: FREE government guarantee for young people!
  • Portals: SeLoger (#1), LeBonCoin, PAP (direct from owners), Bien'ici.
  • Tenant protection: Excellent! Can't evict during winter (trΓͺve hivernale: Nov 1-Mar 31). Rent increases capped.