High Rent: Expect an average studio rent of about €900 per month.
Act Quickly: High demand means listings disappear fast.
Budgeting Rule: Allocate 30–40% of income for rent, plus utilities.
Prepare Your File: Gather all required documents (ID, enrollment, funds) before visiting apartments.
Are you studying French in Paris? At FTC Paris, you do not just master the language. You dive into the heart of the City of Lights. This is an exciting adventure. However, it can quickly become stressful. This is especially true when finding accommodation. Do not worry. Here are some tips. They will help you overcome this first hurdle to your Parisian life.
Understanding the Paris Housing Market
Paris is not the world’s most expensive city. Yet, it ranks among Europe’s top 10 for high rents. Expect to pay about €900 per month for a cozy studio. Demand is much higher than supply. Therefore, listings disappear quickly, sometimes in a few hours. Prices vary greatly by neighborhood. Knowing the geography is crucial.
Paris has 20 districts, called arrondissements. They spiral out from the center:
Central Vibe (1st–4th): A tourist paradise. Sites include the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the chic Marais. Expect premium prices for this ideal location.
Iconic Places (5th–8th): The lively Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens. The glamour of the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower views. It is busy and quite costly.
Trendy Energy (9th–11th): Trendy bars, lively restaurants, and endless shops. This is ideal for a festive atmosphere without spending too much.
Quiet Residential (12th–17th): Quieter streets and a family atmosphere. Perfect if you need rest after classes.
Affordable North (18th–20th): Artistic pockets with the lowest rents. Think of the charm of Montmartre combined with budget savings.
What about outside the city? Suburbs, or banlieue, are often cheaper. Choose carefully. Western areas like Neuilly-sur-Seine or Boulogne-Billancourt are luxurious. They have high rents for prestige and parks. Cities like Montreuil or Saint-Ouen offer more moderate prices.
Tip : Act fast and stay organized.
Find Your Base: Short Hops & Direct Lines to FTC Paris
Want a quick look at the campus area first? See the FTC Paris center and plan your route before visits.
Step 1: Define Your Needs and Budget
Set a realistic budget: Aim for 30–40% of your income for rent. Add about €100–€150 per month for utilities.
Choose your ideal location: But do not be too rigid.
Shared or solo? Shared apartments (colocs) divide costs. Websites like Appartager.com or Coliving connect you with roommates.
Step 2: Explore Listings and Visit
Online search: Use Leboncoin, Seloger, or Logic-Immo. Filter by size (studio: 20–30 m²), price, and arrondissement. Turn on alerts for new listings.
Agency vs. direct: Agencies (like Orpi or Century 21) handle paperwork for a fee. This fee is about one month’s rent. Talking directly with the owner saves money. Warning: Never pay a deposit before signing. If they ask for it, it is a scam.
Schedule visits ASAP: Email or WhatsApp owners. Bring a friend for a second opinion.
Step 3: Prepare Your Rental Application File
Landlords check your ability to pay. Do not skip this. As an FTC Paris student, highlight your enrollment. This boosts your credibility. Gather these documents. You need certified translations if they are not in French:
For Students:
Valid ID (passport or residency permit).
FTC Paris enrollment certificate. We provide this.
Proof of funds: Scholarship letter, parental transfer guarantee, or part-time work contract. You do not need payslips if you are new.
Guarantor letter if you have one, or use Garantme.
Also, Visale (public & free) can act as your guarantor; apply before visits to strengthen your file. Some owners prefer private guarantors—ask early.
Compile everything into one clear PDF file. You can also use our ready-to-use file.
Step 4: Lease & Legal: what students must know (2025)
Lease types & duration
Furnished (meublé): standard 1-year lease; for students, a specific 9-month non-renewable furnished lease exists.
Unfurnished (vide): standard 3-year lease.
Once approved, sign the lease!
Security deposit (dépôt de garantie)
Furnished: up to 2 months’ base rent (excluding charges).
Unfurnished: up to 1 month’s base rent.
Return deadline: the landlord must return the deposit within 1 month after keys if no deductions, or within 2 months if deductions apply (ALUR law). Keep proof of key handover.
Inventory of fixtures (état des lieux)
Mandatory at move-in and move-out; attach photos, note meter readings, and keep a signed copy with the lease.
Keys in hand? Congratulations!
Bonus Step: APL, Check Your Eligibility
Home insurance (assurance habitation)
Obligatory for tenants (furnished and unfurnished). You must provide an attestation at signing and annually; the minimum is “risques locatifs” (fire, water damage, explosion).
Notice period (préavis) for tenants
Unfurnished: 3 months, reduced to 1 month in “zone tendue” (Paris is one) or for specific situations (job loss, health, etc.).
Furnished: 1 month (typical). Use registered mail and keep receipts.
Goods tips to know
Many students (including internationals with a valid residence status) can get APL; simulate your eligibility and amount online, then apply after you move in.
Most rentals in Paris must respect reference rent (loyer de référence) and ceiling (loyer de référence majoré) set by prefectural order, and these values must appear in the lease. Check the official map/simulator before signing.
Christelle is an editor at FTC Paris. She writes practical guides on learning French and living in Paris. Official pen name; content reviewed by the teaching team.
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