The rental guide for international students in France

For international students coming to France to study for the new academic year, this housing guide will help you find accommodation quickly: CROUS university residences, shared apartments, private accommodation with a private individual, or studios in private residences in Paris, Lyon, or near any campus, via Lokaviz, university platforms, and a simple process for finding an apartment.
From application to arrival, we explain how to put together your application (visa, residence permit, valid certificate), obtain the Visale guarantee, benefit from ALS housing assistance via the CAF, reassure the landlord, sign the contract, secure home insurance, manage your rent, and choose accommodation that is truly suited to your international mobility.

1. Prepare your housing plans in advance

Planning ahead is essential. Before you arrive, you’ll save time and reassure the landlord, agency, or residence. Specify the type of housing you want, gather your documents, and find out about the French procedures (lease, security deposit, guarantor, home insurance). This preparation will increase your chances of being allocated a place in a university residence, private rental, or shared accommodation.

Types of accommodation available

The CROUS university residences offer rooms in residences and studios at controlled rents, close to the campus. Allocations are made via the Student Social File (DSE) at the regional center, based on social and academic criteria. To find available options and submit your application, visit Lokaviz, the dedicated website of the public higher education service.

Private residences and agencies offer furnished studios and apartments with convenient services (study room, laundry, reception). This is the easiest way to settle quickly in France, particularly in Paris, Lyon, or Aix-Marseille, but be aware that application fees and security deposits are often higher. Home insurance and a formal rental agreement are essential.

Shared accommodation allows international and French students to share an apartment or house, split the rent and bills, and create a friendly home. Depending on the lease (joint or individual), liability may be joint and several; a guarantor or Visale certificate reassures the landlord and secures the application.

Accommodation with a private individual consists of renting a furnished room in someone’s home, sometimes in exchange for small services. It is economical, ideal for first-time visitors, and often well located. Check the rules of the household, the type of contract (furnished, mobility lease) and prepare your documents: ID, residence permit/visa, proof of enrollment, proof of income.

The rental file: essential documents to submit

2. Understanding the procedures and specificities of the French market

The housing market in France has its own rules. A rental agreement (lease) sets out the duration, rent amount, charges, rights, and responsibilities. The security deposit is generally equivalent to one month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment and up to two months for a furnished one. An inventory of fixtures upon moving in and out protects both the landlord and the tenant. Administrative fees may apply through a private agency, but never in public university residences.

Simple overview of the steps involved in renting

This process applies to apartments, studios in student residences, rooms in CROUS residences, and accommodation with private individuals.

Quick glossary of rental vocabulary

3. Financing your rent and finding the right resources

Good budgeting helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. In France, many international students are eligible for APL (personalized housing assistance, also known as personal housing assistance) through the CAF, subject to certain conditions (valid residence permit, rental agreement, proof of address, etc.). In addition, the Visale guarantee provides reassurance to landlords. There are also schemes dedicated to security deposits.

Housing assistance and budgeting: the essentials

APL (CAF)

Public financial assistance that reduces your monthly rent. You can apply online to the CAF with your lease, bank details, residence permit, and supporting documents. The amount depends on your situation (housing, income, city).

ALS (CAF)

Social housing allowance paid by the CAF when APL does not apply (depending on your type of housing and your situation). You can apply online at caf.fr with your lease, bank details, ID/residence permit, and proof of enrollment. The amount depends on your apartment, your resources, and the city.

Visale guarantee

A free guarantee that reassures the landlord if you don’t have a guarantor in France. You apply for the certificate online before signing the lease and add it to your rental application.

Loca-Pass advance (Action Logement)

A 0% loan to advance the security deposit when you move into the accommodation. You then repay it in small monthly installments. Useful when the “month’s deposit” is preventing you from moving in.

FSL (Housing Solidarity Fund)

A helping hand from the department for difficult situations (low income, unforeseen circumstances). Applications are made via social services/associations, according to local criteria.

CROUS housing

Rooms and studios in public university residences, with regulated rents. Applications are made via the Student Social File (DSE) at the regional center, with allocation criteria (social situation, studies, etc.).

Mini budget estimation tool

Instructions: Total housing costs = rent + utilities + insurance + transportation. % of income = Total housing costs / income. If > 35%, look for a more suitable solution (shared apartment, dorm room, other district, private accommodation). The average cost varies depending on the city and neighborhood; check with your campus and regional center for more information.