Have you ever felt lost and anxious in your Paris rental apartment hunt? Finding a long-term furnished apartment rental in Paris can be challenging, especially for expats. Growing demand for housing has resulted in a competitive and fast-changing rental market in Paris. But don't worry. Paris Rental Agency is here to help! Check out our complete rental guide for first-time tenants in Paris, which explains the steps of renting an apartment and provides essential tips for preparing a winning rental file to help you quickly secure the apartment of your dreams in Paris.
1. Understanding the Paris Real Estate market
First and foremost, learn more about the Parisian Real Estate market before you start your apartment rental search in Paris.
Average prices of rent in Paris in 2024:
Studio: €800 to €1,500 per month
One Bedroom: €1,200 to €2,500 per month
Two Bedrooms: €1,800 to €4,000 per month
Three Bedrooms: €2,500 to €6,000 per month
Find out more about the average rental price per m2 in Paris.
Average size of an apartment in Paris:
Studio: 20 to 35 m² (215 to 376 sq. ft.)
One-bedroom: 40 to 70 m² (430 to 753 sq. ft.)
Two bedrooms: 60 to 100 m² (645 to 1076 sq. ft.)
Three-bedroom: 80 to 120 m² (861 to 1291 sq. ft.)
Arrondissements and Neighborhood
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements and has many different neighborhoods, each with a unique charm.
Guide to the 20 arrondissements of Paris for rental
1st to 4th Arrondissements:
- Central and historic.
- Home to landmarks like the Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries, and Notre-Dame de Paris.
- High demand; rental prices may be relatively high.
5th and 6th Arrondissements:
7th arrondissement:
- Known for its iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Invalides
- Upscale residential area and is widely considered the richest district in Paris
- Home to several government buildings, like, the National Assembly, UNESCO, Ecole Militaire
- Expensive but prestigious
8th arrondissement:
- Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, luxury shopping.
- High-end residential and commercial.
- Prestigious addresses; upscale lifestyle.
9th arrondissement:
- Opera district, theaters.
- Lively shopping area including Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann.
10th and 11th arrondissements:
- Trendy, vibrant, hip.
- Famous for Canal Saint-Martin, Bastille, exciting nightlife, trendy restaurants, bars, and vintage shops.
- Popular among young professionals and students.
12th to 20th arrondissements:
- Varied neighborhoods with different characters.
- Residential and less touristy in parts.
- Generally more affordable than central areas.
Popular neighborhoods to live in Paris:
Iconic neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés remain the top fashionable neighborhoods for renting in Paris and tend to be more expensive than neighborhoods on the outskirts. On the other hand, upcoming neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville are popular thanks to their lively cultural scenes and somewhat more affordable offerings.
Seasonal Variations:
The rental market in Paris may experience seasonal variations, with higher demand at times like the summer and in January when there's an influx of tourists and students; also, in September, business expatriates come to work in Paris for a year to three years. Therefore, avoid peak rental periods, such as summer, September, and October, to maximize your chances of success and minimize competition from local French people with guarantors, other expats, and company tenants.
2. Prepare your rental file in advance
A solid and well-organized rental file is essential to get the apartment rental of your choice. Here are the mandatory documents and practical tips for creating a winning rental dossier to make a good impression on landlords:
Essential Documents for Your Rental File in France:
If you are an individual / student :
Proof of identity:
- ID card and passport and visa, if applicable, or residence permit.
Proof of income:
- Last three pay slips
Last tax assessment
Proof of employment:
- Employment contracts or letters from employers.
OR, if you are a student, provide proof of enrolment or a copy of your student card. And the internship agreement if you're doing an internship in Paris.
Historique des locations:
- Les trois dernières quittances de loyer
- Lettre de référence des anciens propriétaires, si possible
Rental history:
- Last three rental receipts
- Letter of reference from previous landlords, if possible
Proof of current address:
- the last three rent receipts or electricity bills,
- proof of home insurance
Guarantees :
- a guarantor in France,
- OR a bank guarantee from a French bank,
- OR a company guarantee such as "Garantme".
If you are guaranteed by Garantme, provide your Garantme eligibility certificate.
Guarantor information :
- passport or identity card
- last three pay slips
- employment contract
- last tax assessment
- property tax notice, if applicable
Cover letter:
A brief covering letter in which you explain why you are a good tenant and what important details have not been covered in the other documents. (optional)
Essential rental documents for company lease:
If your employer signs the lease for you and you're looking for company accommodation, here's a list of essential documents to provide for a company lease.
If you're a company or auto-entrepreneur, here's a complete guide for self-employed people looking to rent an apartment in Paris. You'll need to provide :
Identification
- Company: Kbis less than three (3) months old
- Self-employed: URSSAF certificate
- Identity card or passport of legal representative
Your tax returns and proof of financial standing
- Company: three most recent balance sheets, an accounting document showing your profits
- Self-employed: last three tax returns
List of rental documents for retirees:
If you're retired and would like to rent an apartment in Paris, we have prepared a comprehensive guide to the rental process for retirees and a list of essential rental documents you'll need:
Proof of identity (passport or ID card)
Guarantee:
- a local French rental guarantor,
- OR a bank guarantee from a French bank,
- OR a company's guarantee such as "Guarantee."
Proof of your current residence:
- last three receipts of rent, utility invoices,
- OR property tax notice,
- OR home insurance certificate
Proof of income:
To prove your income for renting, you can show the following proof: the retirement pension letter, 401(k) plan, tax returns, dividends, savings, social security, etc.
ETIAS Authorization:
If any of the following apply to you, you will need an ETIAS Authorization:
- You are not a European Union national.
- You are a citizen of any country, including the U.S., whose nationals currently do not require a visa for short-term stays in a European Union country.
- You do not possess a residence permit or card issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.
Certain travelers may be exempted from the ETIAS travel authorization requirement, so checking before applying is advisable.
Important update: EU officials have confirmed to us that the implementation of ETIAS has been postponed to May 2025.
Tips for a polished presentation of the rental dossier:
Organize Documents Neatly:
File your documents in a clear, organized way, with precise file names to facilitate the agency's presentation of your documents to the landlord.
Translate Relevant Documents:
If any of your documents are outside of French, provide translated versions to facilitate the agency and the landlord's understanding.
Be Transparent about your situation:
Be upfront about any potential concerns, such as your circumstances, your intention to stay in France, whether you have a pet, how many people will remain in the rental with you, etc. Honesty builds trust.
Communicate Clearly:
Communicate your preferences, such as desired lease duration and move-in date, to show you are serious and organized.
3. Use the right platforms and services
When searching for an apartment rental in France, utilizing the right platforms and services is crucial for an efficient and successful experience. Here are some recommended rental agencies, websites, and applications for finding the best-furnished apartments in Paris:
Why work with a Real Estate agency?
The advantage of using an agency to find your apartment is saving time!
What's more, if an expatriate tenant has a problem, such as a washing machine breaking down or a key getting stuck in the lock, the agency can advise and direct the tenant to the right repairers or even take care of the problem if the agency manages the apartment. The commission paid upfront can go a long way towards the service received.
Using an agency is a great comfort for a foreigner new to Paris.
Websites and Applications to find a long-term apartment rental in Paris:
Seloger (Website & App):
Seloger is one of France's most significant online Real Estate platforms and offers a wide range of property listings, including apartments for rent in Paris.
Jinka (Website & App):
Jinka, this app/website combines all the rental offers matching your criteria on all the existing websites in a single application. It sends you real-time notifications when a new ad comes out.
PAP.fr (Website & App):
Particulier à Particulier (PAP) is a platform where individuals can list their properties for rent or sale directly to others, eliminating the need for a real estate agent. However, more and more Real Estate professionals are also starting to publish listings on PAP.
Le Bon Coin (Website & App):
Le Bon Coin is a popular online marketplace in France where you can find a variety of second-hand goods and services, including Real Estate listings. It's a widely used platform for buying and renting properties between individuals. You can find good rental deals here if you speak fluent French and have a solid, well-organized rental file.
Facebook Groups:
Joining local Facebook groups in Paris can be an excellent way to find apartment listings without going through agencies and get advice from others who have gone through the process of finding long-term rentals in Paris. It can be beneficial for expats who don't speak French because there are many expat Facebook groups in Paris that exchange rental info daily.
Gens de Confiance (Website & App):
Gens de Confiance was primarily known as a platform for trusted recommendations and services. However, it has expanded its services and now offers a Real Estate section for individuals listing and renting furnished apartment rentals in Paris. It is a relatively trustworthy platform for people who wish to find apartment rentals without agency if they have a good level of French.
Nota bene: To access Gens de Confiance, you need to be introduced by two members.
How can foreigners rent apartments in Paris if they don't speak French?
Please note that many agencies featured on Real Estate platforms or websites in France may need to speak English and may have little experience and patience in handling foreign clients. Therefore, if you need an English-speaking agent, consider working with an agency specialized in assisting expatriates.
Why choose a specialized agency to find a furnished apartment rental in Paris?
Choosing a specialized agency such as Paris Rental for your search for a long-term luxury furnished apartment rental in Paris offers many advantages, particularly in efficiency and expertise. Paris Rental has been offering long-term furnished rental services and working with an expat clientele, including multinational companies, international organizations, and embassies, for more than 30 years. Moreover, Paris Rental's personalized assistance guides clients through the rental process. It ensures that all aspects, from property selection, preparing the rental file, and negotiation to signing the lease, are handled seamlessly.
4. Organize apartment viewing
Plan your apartment viewings efficiently by scheduling appointments on the same day, if possible, to optimize your time. Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate the availability of agents or landlords.
Prepare a checklist of features you want to evaluate during the viewing, such as the condition of the common area of the building, appliances, sound and heat insulation, lighting, ventilation, and overall comfort.
5. Making the best first impression during your viewing
Knowing the culture of France goes a long way. Here are some tips:
Punctuality: Arrive on time for the viewing to show your respect for the agent or landlord's schedule.
Courtesy: Be courteous throughout the viewing. Making the effort to speak the local language can go a long way. Even if you're not fluent in French, a simple "bonjour" (hello) and "merci" (thank you) can demonstrate your respect for the local culture and your willingness to adapt.
Interest and Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the rental. Landlords appreciate tenants who are enthusiastic and serious about renting their space.
Respectful Exploration: Ask for permission before opening cupboards or closets, and avoid touching personal items.
Relevant questions to ask during the apartment viewing:
Lease Terms and Conditions:
- What is the minimum or maximum duration of the lease?
- What is the rent payment schedule?
Maintenance and Repairs:
- Are there any current or past issues with the property that I should be aware of?
- Who should be contacted in case of maintenance and repair: the owner, the agency, or the property manager?
- Is there any work previewed in the common areas of the building?
Utilities and Additional Costs:
- Are any utilities included in the rent (electricity, gas, Internet, rental charges), and what are the tenants' responsibilities?
- How will the rental charges be paid: a fixed cost ("forfeit" in French) or a provision adjusted and reviewed yearly?
- How will the adjustment of rental charges be arranged, yearly or every six months?
- Are there additional fees or costs, such as building maintenance fees, housing taxes, and charges for removing household waste?
Application Process:
- What documents are required for the rental application?
- How long does the application process typically take?
Renewal Options:
- Is there an option to renew the lease after the initial term? How should it be processed?
6. Be responsive and available
Being responsive and available is crucial in the fast-paced Paris rental market, where speed can make a significant difference in securing your desired apartment.
The advantage of having an agency like Paris Rental is its ability to act swiftly on your behalf. They can promptly schedule viewings, communicate with landlords, and expedite the necessary paperwork. This responsiveness increases your chances of securing a desirable property and ensures you stay ahead in a market known for its quick turnover.
Navigate the Paris rental market with our complete guide, covering arrondissements & neighborhoods introduction, expert advice for building a winning rental document, the best apartment hunting platforms, and tips for being well-prepared for viewings. Good luck with your Paris apartment search, and remember, PARIS RENTAL is here for you!
Editor: Siyi Chen
Français
