Relocating to Paris can be difficult for expatriates.There are a lot of complaints about over-priced properties, landlords who can't speak English, and no long-term rentals for expatriates.Finding a rental in Paris is notoriously difficult, but there are certain steps you can take to simplify the process and increase your chances for success.
Step 1: You should be familiar with Parisian geography.
Understanding the area can help you make a decision about where to live.The city of Paris is located in the north of France.It has over twelve million inhabitants, making it the most populous city in France.The city of Paris is divided into twenty "arrondissements", which form a clockwise spiral and are located in the center.The pros and cons of each arrondissement are related to population density, property prices, attractions, safety, and culture.The center of Paris is cut off by the river.
Step 2: Get to know what's going on.
The cheapest arrondissement is 19 with an average rental price of 23.7 per square meter, while the most expensive is 6.There are different prices for furnished and unfurnished apartments.In central Paris, furnished rentals range from 30 to 40 per square meter, while unfurnished rentals cost between 27 and 37 US dollars.
Step 3: Start talking to other people.
Using social media is a great way to learn more about the area and make connections with other people who can help you find an apartment.There are many social networking groups for expatriates.You can ask questions about the area and get advice, as well as keeping an eye out for postings regarding open apartments.You should befriend anyone you know in France, and post a status asking them if they have leads to open apartments.It is not uncommon for landlords to post on their own social media channel rather than paying to advertise their apartments, so a good network can go a long way in helping you find an open place.
Step 4: Make a budget for your rent.
The cost of an apartment will be determined by your personal income and expenses, which will determine which arrondissements are within your budget.Determine how far your budget can go before you start researching.The monthly rent is divided by the monthly salary to get the formula.Landlords in Paris and other developed nations will look at the monthly salary of potential tenants.Rent should not be more than 1/3 of your salary.If you don't know your budget, you should consider which arrondissement is best for you.
Step 5: It's important to plan for your needs.
It's good to start looking around where you'll be working or going to school, but you should also keep in mind other personal or family needs.The 1st arrondissement is attractive because it is the one most foreigners are most familiar with, but that also makes it expensive and overcrowded with tourists.Soho in Manhattan is similar to the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.The 8th is expensive and luxurious and Oprah Winfrey tends to stay there when she visits Paris.The quiet, residential areas of the 14th and 16th make it a good choice for a family or people who don't like the scene in other arrondissements.
Step 6: You should keep an open mind about location.
You might be tempted to only look in the neighborhood you'll be working in, but don't limit yourself to living only within walking distance of your office.Paris has one of the best public transport networks in the world, with buses, trams, taxis, rail, bicycle, and even boats available to get you where you need to go.You shouldn't let the location of expatriates deter you from exploring other areas.Do your research on each arrondissement to find out which is best for you and your family.
Step 7: Time it correctly.
You can spend more or less money when you sign a lease.There are less apartments to choose from and the prices are higher when people move to Paris in the fall.
Step 8: You can choose your criteria.
It's important to have a sense of what you want.Keep your dealbreakers list short because the housing market in Paris is limited.Take what you need in an apartment into account.Unless you plan to eat out every day, a functional kitchen is important, but you don't need granite countertops.A quiet building is essential if you work from home or have small children.It's important to keep an open mind about space.You are not likely to find a large apartment in Paris.
Step 9: You can find properties that fit your requirements.
The Paris rental market is very competitive, so you have to know where to look for open properties and be ready to make a move as soon as one becomes available that fits your needs.It is possible to register with many rental agencies, but they are expensive and unreliable.If you have the money, use one.You can find good places in France by looking at the notice boards in coffee shops and in magazines.The most popular website for apartment listings is www.pap.fr, but properties listed there are often rented as soon as they go live.Other good sites to watch are www.fusac.fr, andcraigslist.Word of mouth is the best way to find a place.If you are a student looking for a small studio, it's a good idea to network with students at local universities so that you can be notified if a space becomes available.There are online communities for expats, where people will often post about available spaces.
Step 10: As soon as possible visit as many apartments as you can.
If you show up to view apartments, you can learn a lot about the area and living situation, as well as give you an advantage over other renters.Call immediately and schedule an appointment to view the apartment that you see in the ad.Most landlords prefer to rent to the first person who wants an open apartment in order to avoid being accused of discrimination, because housing discrimination in Paris is illegal, as well as discrimination on other bases like gender, religion, or race.You are more likely to sign a lease if you show up first and make an offer.
Step 11: You should come prepared.
Even if you don't know for sure that you'll love it, come prepared with the proper paperwork, known as your dossier.The landlord will begin the process of determining if you are an acceptable tenant after you give the paperwork to him or her.If you're not from the European Union, there's a copy of your passport and visa and a signed letter from a French resident who will act as your guarantor.If you don't know any French residents who can act as guarantor, your employer will sign as your guarantor.Paris Attitude is an English-speaking rental agency that only lists apartments that don't require a French guarantor.Agencies tend to charge high prices, so don't use them.You will not be able to negotiate a lower rent price since spaces are in such high demand, and you will need two months' rent as security when you sign a contract.