First Apartment (Renting)

The French rental market is competitive, especially in Paris and major cities designated as zones tendues (tense zones). Begin by preparing a complete dossier de location containing last 3 months fiches de paie (payslips), employment contract (CDI preferred over CDD), last avis d'imposition (tax notice), ID, and previous quittances de loyer (rent receipts) if applicable. Landlords typically require income of 3× monthly rent; if insufficient, you need a garant (guarantor) who meets income requirements. Search via SeLoger, LeBonCoin, or PAP portals and attend visites (viewings) with dossier ready. Upon acceptance, sign the bail (lease contract) which in France is highly regulated: 3 years minimum for individual landlords renting unfurnished (non-meublé), 1 year for furnished (meublé). Pay the dépôt de garantie (security deposit, capped at 1 month rent for unfurnished, 2 months for furnished) and first month's rent. The état des lieux (move-in inventory) is critical - both parties inspect and document every defect, scratch, and condition issue; take extensive photos as this determines deposit return. Assurance habitation (renters insurance) is legally mandatory for tenants - obtain before getting keys (€100-250/year). Set up utilities (electricity via EDF/Engie, internet/phone), then apply for APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) at caf.fr - this income-based housing benefit can reduce rent by €100-300/month and can be paid directly to the landlord. Update your address at service-public.fr. Notice periods to terminate: 3 months for unfurnished (reduced to 1 month in zones tendues or for job reasons), 1 month for furnished.