Renting in France as a student: garant, Visale and attestation de solvabilité
Updated · 6 min read
In France, landlords ask for a fairly complete dossier de location, and the hardest part for an international student is usually the garant (guarantor). The good news is that there are alternatives.
What a dossier de location includes
- An identity document.
- Proof of studies (certificat de scolarité or admission letter).
- Proof of income or resources: they often ask for income of around three times the rent, yours or your guarantor's.
- Your guarantor's documents, if you have one.
The garant and the Visale alternative
A garant is a person who commits to paying if you don't. For an international student it's hard to find one who lives in France.
Visale is a free guarantee from Action Logement for young people aged 18 to 30, including students. You apply online at visale.fr, and the landlord has to accept it. It's best to request it before you start visiting apartments.
What an attestation de solvabilité is
It's a document certifying that you have enough funds, usually issued by a bank. Some landlords and agencies accept it as proof that you'll be able to pay the rent.
The security deposit
For an unfurnished rental, the security deposit can't exceed one month's rent excluding charges. For a furnished one, the maximum is two months.
Other options
- CROUS residences (public university housing): apply early.
- Private student residences, which usually ask for fewer requirements.
- Private guarantee services, which act as a garant for a fee.