IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As it is not easy for an international student to rent accommodation in France, as most property direct from real estate agencies and landlords require a French guarantor, EDHEC ISO works in close collaboration with local housing actors so that you do not need a French guarantor in order to secure accommodation. 

Different options are available in Lille & in Nice, including student residences, studio appartments and flat shares.

DEPOSIT

To rent an accommodation in France, you must pay a deposit before moving in - usually equivalent to one month's rent (two months maximum). This deposit will be kept by the landlord during your rental period and part of it may be used in case of any damage to the property, noted during the check-out inventory. 

According to the French law, the owner has up to two months maximum to give the deposit back to the student.

HOME INSURANCE

CHECK-IN APPOINTMENT

As soon as your booking is confirmed, you have to organize a check-in appointment with the student residence manager or landlord.

The day you get the key, you do a check-in inventory with the landlord or residence manager in order to report existing defects in the property (e.g. marks on the wall, broken tiles, heater out of order and leaks).

After the check-in inventory, you still have 7 days to notify the landlord of any further defects that had not been noted in the inventory.

NOTICE OF DEPARTURE / CHECK-OUT APPOINTMENT

You have to notify the landlord about your departure date at least a month before leaving. This notice has to be sent by registered mail.

A check-out appointment has to be organized on the very last day of your stay to return the key.

During this check-out appointment the landlord compares the state of the accommodation with the check-in inventory document.

TIPS AND GUIDANCE ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN FRANCE

• The rent has to be paid between the 1st and the 5th of each month
• The deposit cannot be used to pay the last month rent
• If you break an item or an equipment in the accommodation, try to replace it
• Be sensible regarding electricity and water (e.g. no heating on if the window is open, turn the light off when you leave the room)
• If you live in a student residence or a private flat, make sure you ask the landlord which day the garbage is collected 

WARNING

When booking an accommodation online by yourself:

• NEVER SEND CASH MONEY orders to book your accommodation. This mean of payment is not secure and is used in fraudulent ads - fake landlords and offers. We recommend you to transfer money to the landlord’s bank account to confirm your booking.
• PAY ATTENTION TO THE DATE the offer was published to avoid out-of-date ads.
• Be aware: if you book your accommodation through websites such as Airbnb, you have to make sure the landlord provides you with AN OFFICIAL HOUSING PROOF, otherwise:      
• your visa will not be validated by the Immigration Office          
• you will not be able to open a French bank account
• consequently, you will not be eligible for housing benefits