Housing in Paris
Finding accommodation in Île-de-France is often one of the most important—and sometimes most difficult—steps of settling in.
Whether you are an international student or researcher, the process is similar and requires good preparation.
The Welcome Desk Paris supports you with this practical guide, detailing step by step the actions to take in order to maximize your chances of quickly finding housing suited to your needs.
FINDING SHORT-TERM HOUSING
🏠 Short-term Housing – Students
For a short stay in Paris, several structures (youth hostels, student residences, international centers, budget hotels, etc.) offer accommodation options adapted to students.
Check out our selection of establishments to find short-term housing.
🏠 Short-term Housing – Researchers
Researchers on short-term mobility also have various housing options in Paris (international residences, hostels, hotels, etc.).
This guide provides a selection of useful addresses to help you prepare your stay with ease.
FINDING A LONG-TERM HOUSING
Finding accommodation in Paris or Île-de-France requires careful preparation at each step.
From preparing your application file to attending viewings, then signing the lease and moving in, follow this step-by-step tutorial to maximize your chances of securing housing and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Before you start
- Define your budget (rent + utilities ≤ ⅓ of income, or plan for a guarantor/Visale).
- Choose an area (commute time, transport, shop, living environment).
Build a solid rental application
Essential documents: ID, student/employment certificate, proof of income, tax notice (if any), rent receipts or housing certificate, French bank details (RIB) + home insurance, etc.
💡 Tip: Create a single PDF or use DossierFacile to build your application.
Secure a guarantor
Visale (free state guarantee) if eligible.
Check your eligibility here.
Otherwise: personal guarantor or paid private guarantor.
💡 Tip: Also plan for the security deposit + first month’s rent (and possible agency fees).
Organize and attend viewings
💡 Key questions: amount of utilities, heating system, internet/fiber, neighbors, renovations.
Check the apartment’s condition (windows, water, humidity, etc.).
Take photos and note meter readings.
Submit your application
Send a complete application immediately after the visit.
Stay available and follow up within 24–48h.
Read and sign the lease
Carefully check the terms (duration, lease type, diagnostics).
Verify rent, security deposit, rent cap if applicable.
Prepare for moving in
Home insurance is mandatory to receive the keys.
Open utility accounts (electricity, gas, water) + internet.
Detailed move-in inspection with photos.
After moving in
Pay rent monthly (bank transfer).
Declare your change of address (ANTS, taxes, social security, bank, etc.).
Add your name to the mailbox and notify La Poste.
Other useful info
Before finding housing:
- Visale guarantee (acts as a guarantor): check eligibility here.
- CAF housing aid : quick online application (not retroactive) see CAF website.
- Avance Loca-Pass: security deposit 👉 Action Logement
- Mobili-Jeune : for apprentices < under 30 👉 Action Logement
- Mobili-Pass : professional relocation 👉 Action Logement
- FSL : in case of financial difficulty 👉 Service-Public
- Local aid: city, region, energy vouchers, etc. 👉 Service-Public
