Renting in Paris as a foreigner: How does it work?

Finally, you’ve landed a job in Paris! You’re about to enjoy excitement, culture, and the French lifestyle. But you need to find housing before you can do that. 

With our comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of Paris’ unique real estate market and be in an excellent position to rent an apartment in Paris. 

1. Understanding the various facets of the Parisian real estate market

Before starting your research, knowing the distinct features, trends, and limitations of Paris’ real estate market is helpful. 

Housing types 

The City of Lights has a rich historical heritage. The housing stock consists of old buildings, most built between 1850 and 1914. The Haussmannian style—inextricably linked to Paris—is on full display throughout the Capital’s apartments, which boast high ceilings, intricate moldings, and gorgeous fireplaces. 

Outside the center of Paris, you’ll find more recent construction (post-1945). However, new buildings are extremely rare. 

What are Parisian apartments like? They’re small: More than half have two rooms or less. 

Source: INSEE – figures published in June 2024

Smaller units are usually furnished—so you can just bring your personal belongings—while larger properties are unfurnished. 

The different Parisian neighborhoods and their atmosphere 

The city is divided into 20 “arrondissements,” numbered in a spiral pattern starting from the center of Paris: 

• The neighborhoods at the center (the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements) are like an open-air museum. As you stroll down their streets, you’re walking through history. 
• The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th arrondissements are associated with luxury and elegance, which are evident on the Champs-Elysées with its shops, the cafes in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and around the Eiffel Tower, and the Trocadéro gardens. 
• Looking for a lively neighborhood? Then the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements with their shops, restaurants, theaters, and cabarets are where you want to be. 
• The outer southern and western arrondissements (from the 13th to the 16th) are known for their peacefulness and village atmosphere.  
• Lastly, the north of Paris (the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements) is home to working-class neighborhoods.

The current rental market 

In Paris, the demand for rentals is far greater than the supply. You must respond to a listing immediately because the property is usually rented that day. 

Here’s what you should expect to pay for rent: 

• the median rent is 32 €/m²
• however, there are significant variations (from 22 € to 49 €/m²) depending on the neighborhood and the type of property 

Source: meilleursagents.com – figures as of July 1, 2024

Stringent regulations   

Familiarize yourself with the regulations before embarking on a housing search in order to avoid pitfalls and find the best offer.  

• Apartments in Paris are assigned a “reference rent” based on the number of rooms, the date the building was constructed, whether it’s furnished, the rental period, and the address. You can enter this criteria online to find the reference rent.
  A landlord may only increase the rent under certain conditions and only by a maximum of 20%. This increased rent is called the “increased reference rent.” In some instances relating to improvements to a property, a landlord may charge an “exceptional rent supplement.” 
• The apartment listing must distinguish between rent and charges (such as water, communal heating, maintenance of common areas, and so on). 
• The listing must also specify the amount of the security deposit, the reference rent, the square meters of the unit, and the energy performance diagnosis, commonly referred to as the DPE. 
• Discrimination is prohibited and punishable by law. 
• Renting a property with poor energy performance (>450 kWh/m2 per year) is illegal. Starting in January 2025, dwellings with a DPE G rating will also be included. 
• Properties must meet specific decency requirements. 
• When a rental is furnished, specific amenities are required. 

2. Put together a flawless tenant file/application 

Before you visit any apartments, create a file containing the supporting documentation requested by the landlord. The idea is to get a head start on securing the lease.  

The necessary documents

The law permits landlords to verify certain information about future tenants. You’ll need to provide several supporting documents: 

Good to know: You can provide a copy of the original, but be sure to attach a French translation. 

Surety

Landlords usually want tenants whose income is three times the rent. If this is not the case, they demand that a guarantor be added to the contract. 

A guarantor undertakes to pay any debts in your stead regarding: 

• rent 
• utilities and other charges 
• cost of restoring the apartment to its original state 

A guarantor can be someone living abroad. Like you, the guarantor must provide proof of financial resources, identity, and possibly employment. 

A French landlord will undoubtedly be more comfortable with a French guarantor. If you’re a European resident or a student with a long-stay visa, you’re eligible for the Visale system and its housing scheme, “Action Logement,” which acts as a guarantor.

Lastly, you can use a private guarantor for a fee of about 3% of the rent. 

3. Track down an apartment that fits your needs 

Establishing your search criteria saves time and efficiency. 

Set expectations 

First, list any aspects you feel are non-negotiable, such as: 

• the amount of floor space and type of property you’re looking for 
• whether you want furnished or unfurnished and the equipment you want 
• maximum budget 
• your favorite neighborhoods. 

Next, add aspects you’d like but can live without, such as: 

• what floor you'd like to live on 
• whether a balcony or cellar is necessary 
• the view of the building facing your apartment 
• the distance to the metro. 

Take an active approach 

Then run your search using multiple tools: 

• general online platforms 
• specialized real estate agencies like Paris Attitude 
• social media 
• expat groups 

Check these sites daily and create alerts so you can respond quickly, i.e., as soon as an opportunity arises. 

Did you score an appointment for a viewing? This is an opportunity to see whether the property has what you want. If you haven't yet mastered the language of Molière, ask a trusted friend or colleague who speaks French to accompany you, and the interaction will be much smoother. 

Ask for additional photos if you don’t live in Paris and can’t travel for the appointment. Virtual tours are an alternative way to view the property. 

Avoid scams!

In your quest for the perfect apartment, beware of: 

• Listings that are too tempting, with very low prices that have nothing to do with the reality of current market prices or that display photos as you’d see in interior design magazines. 
• Landlords who demand documents that are not required, such as your banking information, healthcare card, or a criminal record check.
• People who ask you to put down money on an apartment before you look at it. 

To avoid such hassles, consult a professional. They’re familiar with the local market and have extensive experience. You can check out their website to see what services they offer. In addition, you should review their customer testimonials, which are available on various websites. 

4. Renting in Paris as a foreigner: Finalizing things...

So you’ve found an apartment, and the landlord has selected you! Well done! Now, here's what to expect next. 

Lease signing 

You’ll agree on a date with the landlord to deliver the keys. Upon entering the apartment, you’ll sign a rental contract that specifies: 

• a description of the property, its use, and address 
• the names of the lessor and lessee 
• the amount of rent and charges. 

It also contains annexes: 

• the condition of the apartment on move-in (move-in inspection statement) 
• a list of the meter readings 
• mandatory technical diagnostics, including the DPE 
• the home insurance binder, which you must provide 

Landlord and tenant responsibilities 

During the tenancy, each party has certain obligations. They are summarized below. 

Financial assistance

As a resident living in France, you may be entitled to government assistance: 

• Personalized housing assistance (APL) 
• Social housing allowance (ALS) 

Contact the CAF (Family Allowance Fund) to find out what benefits you are entitled to. 

Vacating the premises 

Do you want to vacate your apartment? You must notify your landlord by certified mail. 

Notice must be given: 

• One month before vacating a furnished rental 
• Three months before vacating an unfurnished rental.

So, remember to plug the small holes before the move-out inspection to ensure you recover your security deposit. 

Are you moving to Paris for a new job or to study? At Paris Attitude, we specialize in renting furnished apartments. Our catalog includes quality properties throughout Paris.