The ultimate guide to navigating housing in France as a foreigner
- My English Sister
- 27 mars
- 4 min de lecture
Dernière mise à jour : 28 mars
Finding a rental in France can be a daunting experience, especially for expats, interns, and apprentices who may not have a local guarantor or a French social security number.
One of the most crucial steps to securing an apartment is preparing a strong dossier de location (rental application file). This guide will walk you through the key elements of a successful dossier and provide tips on overcoming common challenges faced by non-French applicants.
What Is a Dossier de Location?
A dossier de location is a collection of documents that landlords use to assess whether you are a reliable tenant. Given the competitive nature of the French rental market, a well-organised and complete dossier significantly increases your chances of securing an apartment.
Continue reading to find out all of our tips and tricks as well as alternatives to documents you probably won't have as a foreigner living in France.
Understanding the Rental Market: Agencies vs. Private Landlords
You can find rentals through two primary channels:
Real Estate Agencies (agences immobilières): Agencies provide professional handling but often have stricter requirements and charge agency fees (frais d’agence).
Private Landlords (particuliers): Websites like LeBonCoin and la Carte des Colocs list direct rental opportunities, which can sometimes be more flexible but still require a strong dossier and will not include agency fees.
Regardless of the route you choose, most landlords expect a guarantor (garant) and an extensive set of documents. Don't worry if you don't have a French guarantor, we will explain the most common alternative options below.
Essential Documents for Your Rental Dossier
Your dossier should be complete, well-organised, and preferably in PDF format.
Include the following:
Identity documents: A scan of your passport or residence permit (titre de séjour).
Proof of income:
If employed: Work contract (CDI preferred) and last three pay slips.
If a freelancer: Recent invoices and tax declarations.
If a student (apprentice or intern): Proof of enrollment (or CERFA in the case of an apprentice) and financial support documents.
French tax return (avis d’imposition): If you don’t have one, provide a tax return from your home country or a letter from your employer stating your salary or your CERFA (in the case of an apprentice).
Bank details (RIB - Relevé d’Identité Bancaire): Having a French bank account can make payments easier. Look into online banks if you do not yet have an address in France (e.g. Nickel, Revolut etc.). Most online banks will require a French phone number - you can buy a temporary sim in most tabacs (newsagents) in France.
Guarantor details (if needed): Usually Your guarantor’s last tax declaration, a copy of their ID, and their work contract. See the next section for alternatives if you don’t have a French guarantor.
Rental history: If applicable, provide a rental certificate (attestation de loyer) or a reference letter from a former landlord.
What If You Don’t Have a French Guarantor?
Many landlords require a garant (guarantor), someone who agrees to pay your rent if you default.
Here are alternatives if you don’t have one:
Use a private guarantee service: Platforms like Garantme or Visale (if eligible) act as a financial guarantee and are great for students, interns, and apprentices.
Offer a higher security deposit: Some landlords may accept 2-3 months' rent upfront instead of a guarantor.
Show strong financial stability: If you have a stable job contract (CDI) with sufficient income (3x the rent), some landlords may waive the guarantor requirement.
Remember:
There are some exceptions to these conditions whereby an international estate agency or a private landlord may accept an international guarantor. However, it must be noted that this is not especially common.
Where to Find Rentals
Agency Websites: Look into local estate agents in your city
Coliving & Flatshares: La Carte des Colocs, Facebook pages, Appartager
You can also contact the CROUS (student housing) in your city to see if they reserve rooms for apprentices/interns or young professionals. You will probably find nicer options on the private market but the CROUS is a very convenient option.
Rentals are often posted on Facebook groups e.g. Expats in X city, or chez queer Lyon/Paris. If there’s a large university in your city, join the Facebook page for students. Apartments get posted there, too.
Although it's preferable, it's okay to not have housing sorted before you arrive! Most people don’t. If you are able to, rent temporary accommodation for the first few weeks to give yourself some time to find a permanent place.
Good to note
If you see listings with “CC,” that means “charges comprises.” Ask what those charges are. They usually do not include everything. Expect to add electricity and wifi at the very least.
Presentation Tips for a Winning Dossier
Keep It Digital: A single, well-structured PDF is best for emailing landlords.
Write a Short Cover Letter: Introduce yourself and highlight your financial stability.
Translate Key Documents: If necessary, provide French translations of employment contracts or financial documents.
Print Copies for In-Person Visits: Some landlords may prefer a physical copy of your dossier.
Final Tips & Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Incomplete dossiers: Missing documents can get your application ignored.
Scams: Never pay upfront before visiting an apartment.
Apply fast: Desirable rentals disappear quickly.
Follow-up: A polite email or call can keep your application on top of the list.
Never pay anything ahead of time! It’s illegal in France for landlords to ask you to pay before you sign the contract (bail). Anyone asking you to pay before you’ve seen the apartment for any reason (including “to reserve” it) is definitely a scam.
Check out if you're eligible for CAF by reading our guide to navigating Aide personnalisée au logement (APL).
With the right dossier and persistence, you can increase your chances of securing your ideal French rental. Bonne chance! 🇫🇷
What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in renting a place in France?
Preparing the dossier de location
Not having a French guarantor
Finding a landlord who accepts foreign tenants
Agency fees
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