Select your websites
Don’t waste your time to apply to a lot of offers on websites such as (individual to individual), you won’t receive answers because they receive 50 requests/day and forget to delete their ads.
You will have more chance with websites where post agencies (seloger, logicimmo, figaro immobilier…). It’s easier to book your flat through an agency but you will need to pay some fees (usually around 13€/m2). Some of them don’t like when you don’t have a French guarantor.
The different types of agency : online vs physical
The physical ones
They can be classic and refuse students if no income, or French guarantor but some others will accept Garantme or Visale. You can apply online and let them know you are not in France so you don’t need to visit. Ask directly your question in the first message and ask to book it without visit.
If you are there, you can go see them directly, but online you will more quickly target the agencies that have an offer that matches what you are looking for. Studios up to €1000 are in high demand and sell out very quickly, you have to look every day and call or apply straight away. Not requesting a visit can also save time. To stand out from the crowd, immediately send your file by email and contact them by phone.
The online ones
You may find some agencies such as Paris Attitude, Lodgis… you will pay them only if you find a flat. They are specilized in international student so accept Garantme and Visale. It’s the easiest solution.
You may also find some paying websites (Gohome, Locservice, Studapart, My appart) which are not agencies.
Some of them ask to pay an amount just to be in contact with owners such as:
Locservice = 30€/year
Gohome = 30€/month
My appart = 100€/year
Others like Studapart or Lodgis will charge you only if you find a flat but a more expensive amount.
Studapart = 500€
Lodgis : basic agency fees (15€/m2)
We have tried Locservice and receive around one request/per week. In this website only the owner can contact you if they like your file. You need to answer quickly, you are not the only renter to receive their offer but at least you receive offer in comparison with PAP for example where it’s extremly rare.
Tips when you select your flat
The filters depends on the webistes. Some offer the possibility to select “owner only” or to add “agency”. We suggest to keep agency in the loop, because you may receive no answer from owner.
If you can financially, select a minimum surface of 15 m2. Select only the furnished flats, except if you are planning to stay for a long time and buy your furniture.
Tips when you contact someone
Translate your message in French if you don’t know if they speak English.
Don’t ask a lot of questions, wait for them to answer you before that. Owner wants easy student, if you ask too many questions, they will be afraid it will be the case for the rest of the renting so ask them all in once and only pertinent ones such as “do I have to open my own internet line?” or “do you have a washing machine/elevator”.
Don’t try to negociate the price. At the opposite, offer to pay a bit more to get it (only if you really want it). Remember they have 50 files on it. You want him to choose you. Le tthem know you are quite, you pay your rent on time and your intention is just to have a safe place because you are far away from home.
Don’t be too picky about having electricity and/or internet included. It’s better to have a flat without that than no flat at all and you will be able to open both, by yourself, with someone help. On our platform you can open an electricity account easily.
Best websites
To find a flat we suggest you :
1. Student residences on Feel Francais platform: we do the booking for you and you are sure to have a spot if the residence is not fully booked
2. Studapart
3. Some websites such as Paris Attitude or Lodgis
4. You can send an email to [email protected] and indicate your city, budget, lenght of stay, surface of the flat and if you want to be in a student residence or in a flat.
5. Paying websites such as LocServices
How to notice a scam when your rent a flat online
The owner won’t accept visit and probably tell you he is at the international for medical reason. He will ask you to pay via Western Union. The rent is cheap and the flat beautiful.
Don’t accept to pay without visiting the flat, except if it’s through an agency such as Studapart.
The easier solution to book a flat: Feel Français platform
What if we told you that you didn’t have to remember the list above or worry about scams? It is actually possible with Feel Français!
Let us help and prevent you from feeling lost and getting stressed out. On our platform, you will find different accommodation offers such as student residences and flatsharing. Choose the one that you want and make a request, which is free. We take care of the booking and administrative tasks for you! There is no need to search for the necessary documents or when to send everything. To have access to our platform you can purchase one of our packages so that we can provide you individual help. Some packs include help to find a flat, even outside our platform.
This way, you’ll be able to avoid scams and find the best accommodation offers, close to your school in France. It will be much easier and quicker for you. You’ll also be able to save money since you won’t have to rent a short-stay place for your first days in France. And thanks to our partnerships with different accommodation providers, you can also get more benefits by using our platform!
Watch this video to discover more about our platform Feel Français:
