Flat Hunting in Paris: Everyday Expressions
Simple French expressions for visiting a flat, talking about rent and moving in.
French flats are counted in pièces (main rooms, not counting kitchen and bathroom), so a deux-pièces or T2 has a living room and one bedroom. Landlords usually ask for a guarantor (un garant) or the free state Visale guarantee, and for an unfurnished flat the deposit (dépôt de garantie) is capped at one month's rent excluding charges. Once you've moved in, French friends expect you to « pendre la crémaillère », throw a housewarming party.
- 1
C'est à deux pas du métro.
It's a stone's throw from the metro.
- 2
Le loyer coûte les yeux de la tête.
The rent costs an arm and a leg.
- 3
J'ai eu un coup de cœur pour cet appart.
I fell in love with this flat.
- 4
Mon ancien appart, c'était une cage à lapins.
My old flat was a shoebox.
- 5
Fais comme chez toi.
Make yourself at home. (to a friend)
- 6
C'est un deux-pièces.
It's a one-bedroom flat.
Tip: The French count the living room as well.
- 7
Le loyer, c'est charges comprises ?
Does the rent include charges?
- 8
Au cinquième sans ascenseur.
Fifth floor, no lift.
- 9
C'est refait à neuf.
It's been completely redone.
- 10
Il est très lumineux.
It's really bright.
Tip: Talking about the flat.
- 11
On pend la crémaillère samedi.
We're having a housewarming on Saturday.
- 12
Tout est encore sens dessus dessous.
Everything's still upside down.
- 13
C'est le bazar !
What a mess!
- 14
Le quartier est sympa.
The neighbourhood is nice.
- 15
Il faut un garant.
You need a guarantor.
- 16
Le dépôt de garantie, c'est un mois de loyer.
The deposit is one month's rent.
- 17
Je réfléchis et je vous rappelle.
I'll think about it and call you back.
- 18
Laisse-le pas filer !
Don't let it slip away!
- 19
On a emménagé le week-end dernier.
We moved in last weekend.
- 20
Enfin chez nous !
Home at last!