Sproken
B1French·20 cards

Landing a Flat in France

Call about a listing, visit the flat, ask the right questions and get your rental file accepted.

French landlords and agencies ask for a full « dossier de location »: ID, your last three payslips, work contract, last tax notice and usually a guarantor; the free Visale scheme from Action Logement can stand in for a guarantor. The deposit is capped at one month's rent excluding charges for an unfurnished flat and two months for a furnished one, and leases run three years unfurnished or one year furnished. Home insurance is compulsory, an « état des lieux » (check-in inspection) is done on moving in and out, and you may be able to claim housing benefit (APL) from the CAF.

A striking view of an inner courtyard and sky framed by residential buildings.
Photo: Ekam Juneja on Pexels
  1. 1

    J'appelle pour l'appartement de la rue des Martyrs.

    I'm calling about the flat on the Rue des Martyrs.

  2. 2

    Il est toujours libre ?

    Is it still available?

  3. 3

    Le loyer est de combien, charges comprises ?

    How much is the rent, including service charges?

  4. 4

    C'est un meublé ?

    Is it furnished?

  5. 5

    Quand est-ce que je pourrais le visiter ?

    When could I come and visit it?

  6. 6

    Qu'est-ce qu'il faut dans le dossier ?

    What do you need in the rental file?

  7. 7

    Je peux vous fournir mes trois derniers bulletins de salaire.

    I can give you my last three payslips.

  8. 8

    Je n'ai pas de garant en France, mais j'ai Visale.

    I don't have a guarantor in France, but I have Visale.

    Tip: A free state-backed guarantee for tenants.

  9. 9

    Le dépôt de garantie est de combien ?

    How much is the deposit?

  10. 10

    Il y a des frais d'agence ?

    Are there agency fees?

  11. 11

    C'est à quel étage ? Il y a un ascenseur ?

    Which floor is it on? Is there a lift?

  12. 12

    Ça donne sur la rue ou sur la cour ?

    Does it look onto the street or the courtyard?

  13. 13

    Le chauffage est individuel ou collectif ?

    Is the heating individual or shared?

  14. 14

    Quel est le DPE ?

    What's its energy rating?

    Tip: The A to G energy label every listing must show.

  15. 15

    Les animaux sont acceptés ?

    Are pets allowed?

  16. 16

    Il faut une assurance habitation ?

    Do I need home insurance?

  17. 17

    On fait l'état des lieux quand ?

    When will we do the check-in inspection?

  18. 18

    Je peux demander les APL ?

    Can I apply for housing benefit?

  19. 19

    Je suis très intéressé, je vous envoie mon dossier ce soir.

    I'm very interested, I'll send you my file tonight.

  20. 20

    Je pourrais emménager à partir de quand ?

    From when could I move in?