How to Rent an Apartment in France as an International Student: 2026 Guide

How to Rent an Apartment in France as an International Student: 2026 Guide

Renting an apartment in France can be challenging when you are an international student with no French rental history, local guarantor, or regular income.

Landlords may ask for a complete dossier de location, rental advertisements use unfamiliar terms, and students must understand deposits, guarantors, home insurance, lease types, and housing assistance before signing anything.

This guide explains how to rent an apartment in France as an international student in 2026.

Can International Students Rent Apartments in France?

Yes. International students can rent:

• Furnished studios.
• Unfurnished apartments.
• Rooms in shared apartments.
• Private student residences.
• CROUS accommodation.

The challenge is usually competition rather than nationality. A complete rental application can make a major difference, especially in cities with high demand.

French rules limit the documents a landlord may request from a rental applicant. International applicants may use foreign financial or tax documents, although copies may need to be translated into French and financial amounts converted into euros.

Understand the Main French Rental Terms

Before searching, learn these common terms:

• Loyer: Monthly rent.
• Charges: Additional building or service costs.
• Charges comprises (CC): Some charges are included in the advertised price.
• Dépôt de garantie: Security deposit.
• Garant: Guarantor.
• Bail: Rental agreement.
• État des lieux: Move-in or move-out property inspection.
• Colocation: Shared apartment.

Always ask which charges are included. Electricity, internet, and other costs may still be separate.

Prepare Your Dossier de Location

A strong rental application should be ready before you contact landlords.

You may need:

• Passport.
• Visa or residence permit.
• University admission or enrollment certificate.
• Bank statements.
• Scholarship letter.
• Internship or employment documents, if applicable.
• Previous rental references.
• Guarantor documents.
• Housing assistance simulation, where relevant.

French official guidance lists scholarship awards, internship income, financial resources, and eligible housing-aid simulations among documents that may support a rental application.

Keep everything in one organized PDF folder so you can apply quickly.

Do International Students Need a Guarantor?

Many French landlords ask for a garant, or guarantor.

A guarantor agrees to cover eligible rental debts if the tenant does not pay.

Possible options include:

• A parent or relative accepted by the landlord.
• Another individual accepted as guarantor.
• Visale, if you qualify.
• A private guarantor company.

Before paying for a commercial service, check whether you qualify for Visale.

Can International Students Use Visale?

Many adult students can qualify for the free Visale rental guarantee.

Visale is designed to act as a guarantor for eligible tenants. Its student guidance states that the Visale certificate is valid for six months while a student searches for a property.

Eligibility depends on the applicant and immigration status. For example, non-EU students may need a valid long-stay student visa or qualifying student residence permit.

The important rule is:

Apply for Visale before signing the lease.

The landlord must also accept the guarantee and the property must meet Visale conditions.

Choose the Right Type of Lease

France has several common lease types.

Unfurnished Rental

A standard unfurnished residential lease generally has a minimum duration of three years. The maximum security deposit is usually one month of rent excluding charges.

Furnished Rental

A furnished residential lease is generally one year, but it can be nine months when the tenant is a student. The maximum security deposit is usually two months of rent excluding charges.

Bail Mobilité

A bail mobilité can be suitable for eligible students, interns, and other temporary occupants.

It lasts from one to ten months and cannot require a security deposit.

Compare the contract type carefully before signing.

How Much Is the Security Deposit?

The dépôt de garantie is not the same as a guarantor.

For common residential leases:

The deposit amount must be written in the lease. A landlord cannot simply request additional unexplained payments as a condition for signing.

Always:

1. Verify the landlord or agency.
2. Read the lease.
3. Confirm the exact amount.
4. Use a traceable payment method.
5. Keep proof of payment.

Calculate the Real Cost of Renting

The monthly rent is only part of your housing budget.

Check:

Never compare apartments only by the advertised rent.

Home Insurance Is Important

Tenants renting a main residence under a standard residential lease generally need home insurance covering at least rental risks such as fire, explosion, and water damage. The landlord can ask for proof of insurance.

Before buying a policy, compare:

• Annual premium.
• Deductible.
• Personal property protection.
• Liability coverage.
• Theft protection.
• Exclusions.

The landlord cannot force you to buy insurance from a specific insurer.

Complete the État des Lieux Carefully

The état des lieux d’entrée records the apartment’s condition when you receive the keys.

It should describe:

• Floors.
• Walls.
• Ceilings.
• Furniture.
• Appliances.
• Keys.
• Meter readings.
• Existing damage.

The document should be completed with the landlord or representative and attached to the lease. Photos can be added to document the property’s condition.

Take your own dated photos and videos of:

• Scratches.
• Stains.
• Broken furniture.
• Mould.
• Damaged appliances.

This evidence may be important when your deposit is returned.

Can International Students Receive CAF Housing Assistance?

Housing assistance rules changed significantly on July 1, 2026.

CAF states that certain non-EU students holding a long-stay visa or residence permit marked for studies must now receive a scholarship based on social criteria to qualify for APL. Other situations, including some students who work or are apprentices, may follow different rules.

This means older articles claiming that almost every international student can automatically receive APL may now be outdated.

Before including housing aid in your budget:

1. Check your current immigration and student status.
2. Use the official CAF eligibility simulator.
3. Do not sign an expensive lease based on an assumed benefit.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

Be careful when:

• Rent is unusually cheap.
• The landlord refuses a viewing.
• You are pressured to transfer money immediately.
• There is no written lease.
• The payment account belongs to an unrelated person.
• Someone asks for money just to arrange a viewing.

Before paying:

1. Search the full address.
2. Verify the landlord or agency.
3. Request a live video viewing if you are abroad.
4. Read the complete lease.
5. Confirm the payment recipient.
6. Keep all messages and receipts.

Never send your deposit just because someone claims that another student is ready to take the apartment.

Best Strategy for International Students

The safest process is:

1. Start with CROUS and university resources.
2. Prepare your complete rental dossier.
3. Check whether you qualify for Visale.
4. Compare several apartments.
5. Calculate rent and all charges.
6. Verify the landlord or agency.
7. Read the lease carefully.
8. Buy the required home insurance.
9. Complete a detailed état des lieux.
10. Check current CAF eligibility separately.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to rent an apartment in France as an international student becomes much easier once you understand the local system.

Prepare your dossier early, investigate guarantor options before paying for private services, understand the difference between furnished and unfurnished leases, and never ignore the état des lieux.

Most importantly, do not base your housing budget on outdated information about French housing assistance. Rules for some international students changed on July 1, 2026.

A verified property, clear lease, affordable total cost, and well-documented move-in process are more valuable than the cheapest listing online.

Official Sources

• Service Public — Residential Rental Agreements
• Service Public — Documents a Landlord May Request
• Service Public — Security Deposits
• Service Public — Furnished vs Unfurnished Rentals
• Service Public — Move-In Inspection
• Service Public — Tenant Home Insurance
• Visale — Official Rental Guarantee
• CAF — Housing Assistance