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While the Housing Office is not able to intervene directly in students’ independent or external searches, we remain available to provide advice and insight on the search process, review leases with students, discuss best practices, and connect students to resources should they have a housing issue.

Searching for apartments in Paris is exciting yet challenging, as the city’s growing population and high demand make the process competitive. However, there are a variety of agencies and websites that students can use to navigate housing options. Prospective renters quickly discover that location is key, with each arrondissement offering a distinct atmosphere, from the historic streets of Le Marais to the quieter, residential feel of the 15th. Prices can vary dramatically depending on proximity to public transport, landmarks, and neighborhood desirability. Understanding local requirements—such as guarantors, documentation, and upfront fees—is essential and many newcomers turn to online platforms or real estate agencies to navigate the market more efficiently.

Types of Housing Options:

From traditional French websites and independent agencies that assist expatriate students, to co-living options and dorm style residencies, there is an increasing number of choices available for international students seeking both temporary and permanent accommodation. Many students choose to begin with temporary accommodation—such as a short-term rental or co-living space —while they explore neighborhoods and attend apartment viewings in person. Others prefer to secure more permanent housing before arriving, which can provide peace of mind but may limit opportunities to see the property firsthand. Both approaches are valid, and the choice depends on each student’s preferences, timeline, and comfort level.

Student residences, Co-living spaces, and hostels: There are several advantages to housing designed specifically for students such as potentially lower rent cost, furnished rooms, and a social atmosphere. 

Rooms or apartments rented on the real-estate market: either through an agency or directly from an individual property owner.

Apartments may be furnished ‘meublé’ or unfurnished ‘non-meublé’.

Please note that none of these agencies are affiliated with the Housing Office or with the American University of Paris. The Housing Office cannot make any guarantees to secure housing with these resources. The student is responsible to contact and secure housing; the university cannot act as a guarantor for the student. 

Co-living Spaces & Student Residencies

These can be rentals for rooms or apartments, studio or dorm flats in a home, co-living space, residency, or apartment (short term or long term). Below are some useful links for catalogues and agencies supporting these kinds of rentals.

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• (French government web site for student housing) 
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Student Rental Agencies

These agencies work directly with you to secure an apartment. Agencies normally ask for additional fees for their services. 

• -They offer a 25% discount on their service fee to ������ students with the promo code ������25. 

French Rental Sites

 These are traditional rental sites (in French) that show available apartments in Paris.

Many landlords or rental agencies require an application (a ‘dossier’) to secure a rental. Some student centric agencies may provide individual assistance included in their fees. Applications can be submitted prior to visiting an apartment or after the visit. 

Dossier Documents

• Proof of identity - Residency card (‘titre de sejour’), Passport 
• Proof of student status - Enrollment certificate 
• Proof of prior residence - Last three months' rent or rental receipt. 
• Proof of income - Pay slips, bank statements 
• Guarantor Documents 

In France, landlords often require a guarantor (“garant”)—someone who agrees to cover the rent if the tenant cannot pay—especially for students or applicants without a stable income. In practice, many French landlords prefer a guarantor who lives in France and has French income, because it’s easier to take legal action if needed. However, some landlords will accept a foreign guarantor, especially if they have strong financial proof.

Guarantor Services are available for those that cannot obtain a guarantor:

• : Students can apply online and receive a certificate within 24 hours – that certificate will attest that the student is using the service as an alternative guarantor for their housing search and rental.
• : Visale is a free government guarantor service for renters between 18 and 30 years old. Please note that this resource is in French.

is a government resource for tenants in France to have their dossier sent through a verified, secure governmental portal. Please do note that Dossier Facile works best for French documentation; students have indicated that documents originating from other countries do not always meet the validation requirements within the platform 

Signing the Lease and Moving In

When selected for an apartment, you will be asked to sign a lease or rental agreement (called a bail or contrat de location). Rent cost, additional charges, the security deposit, and notice period may be topics outlined in the lease. New tenants should be prepared to pay the security deposit + first month’s rent to move into an apartment.

A walkthrough should be conducted prior to moving in which means that the landlord and tenant inspect the premises room by room, recording the current state of the property. The document used in this inspection is called an état des lieux. The same process happens when you move out of an apartment to assess any damage.

Utilities and Insurance

Property insurance is required or highly recommended for most rental properties. You can get property insurance through your French bank or an insurance company. The cost of insurance is proportional to the size of your apartment.

Utilities such as electricity, internet, and gas are usually additional fees that the tenant is responsible for paying. If you rent a room or dorm style residency, these fees may be included in your rent.

• Making payments upfront for a visit. Requests for deposits or payments just to secure a visit are strong warning signs of a scam. 
• Be mindful when sharing your documents. It’s normal for landlords and agencies to ask for documents (such as guarantor information, proof of income, or previous rent receipts) before offering a viewing. However, you should only share your paperwork with listings you trust and feel comfortable with.
• Watch out for unrealistic deals. Large, modern, or luxury apartments in central Paris at unusually low prices are almost always fraudulent.
• Avoid unusual financial requests. Some landlords or agencies may ask you to reserve funds in your bank account or pay several months’ rent in advance, especially if you don’t have a French guarantor. However, this can be risky, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the provider, and is generally not recommended.