Preparing your housing search

The documents you will usually be expected to provide:

• a photocopy of your proof of identity (identity card, passport or residence permit);
• your student card or schooling certificate;
• proof of address;
• bank account details.

Documents to be provided by your guarantor:

• three most recent pay slips plus employer statement;
•  proof of address;
• proof of identity;
• latest tax declaration.

If you don’t have anyone who can be a guarantor for your rental application, you can request assistance from VISALE , which will act as guarantor for your landlord. When you put together your rental application, you will need to provide the “visa certifié” (official stamp) issued by Visale.

Before you start your housing search, remember to draw up an estimate of your budget and the expenses you’ll have to pay each month of the year, to make sure you choose accommodation you can afford.

• The first month, you will have to pay:
• the first month’s rent;
• the deposit;
• the agency and application fees, if you go through an agency or certain student residences;
• for furniture, if required.

The rest of the year, you’ll need to plan for the cost of gas and Internet bills, plus all non housing-related expenses: studies, transport, food shopping, recreational activities, and so on.
If you have a room in a student residence: gas and Internet bills are usually included in your rent!
To help you calculate your budget, “l'Etudiant” website offers a tool for calculating your expenses.

If you live in a place on 1st January of the year in question, you will be expected to pay council tax (called “taxe d’habitation”) for that accommodation, usually during November. There are several possibilities.
If you have submitted your own tax declaration: the tax office will automatically calculate any tax deductions you may be eligible for.
If you are still included on your parents’ tax declaration: you can request a tax deduction by contacting your local tax office and sending a copy of your parents’ tax declaration.
You will not need to pay council tax if:

• you live in a university residence managed by the Crous
• you live in a student residence
• you rent a furnished room in a private home

TV licence: when you receive your council tax bill, check whether you are also expected to pay the TV licence (this is called “contribution à l'audiovisuel public”). If you don’t have a TV, you will not need to pay the licence.