It is no easy task applying for an apartment, especially in a country that’s not your own. There are many factors that could set you back or cause you to be overlooked by the property owner. If you haven’t experienced the headache of applying to an apartment, my guess, is that you will soon find yourself in the position of realizing that 1) you are not alone, in fact you could be competing with up to 100 other applicants, and 2) property owners can be very selective in regards to who they will allow to reside in their rental. You may also find yourself in one or several of the following categories:
- You’re a study abroad or Erasmus student in Paris who may or not be working.
- You’re an independent student who is French but needs proof of the additional support but your parents are unable.
- You’re a professional, but you don’t have a permanent contract with a company in France yet.
- Or perhaps you have money to give to the property owner in advance but they still request for a French guarantor.
Whichever situation you find yourself in, it is only a small obstacle and can easily be overcome. I’ll share a few recommendations that have helped me stand out in the crowd of applicants and consequently gave me quicker access to my new place.
So here are 4 fundamental ways that can help you bring your application to the top of the pile.
Schedule a viewing with the property owner or agency. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it important to meet your potential landlord. This meeting serves 2 purposes for both parties. The first is that, as the tenant, you will be able to view the property in person to gain a better understanding of the neighborhood and to double check that the online photos actually match the advertised property. The second, is for the property owner or agent to learn more about the applicant and to see what they’re signing up for. So, this is a great chance to make a great impression.
Find a place that you could live in for at least a 6-month period. Property owners aren’t necessarily looking to have a high turnover rate. It’s a headache for them to continuously go through the process of meeting a new tenant, signing papers, and making banking arrangements, but if you state in your application that you plan to stay long-term, then this will make your application more competitive. This also saves you the headache of finding a new place to live and worrying about how you will afford the next security deposit.
If you’re a student or currently working, then adding your CV or grades could be a great way to show how serious of a professional or academic you are. It is important for property owners to see that their tenants are serious and consistent whether it’s always getting good grades or working at the same place for extended periods. It becomes less appealing when you move around from job-to-job or a series of low grades shows on your transcript.
This final recommendation is like the icing on the cake. It solidifies your application and pushes it straight to the top. While you may have all the other requirements that qualify you as the ideal candidate there is one make or break deal for French property owners, and that’s having a French guarantor. It is that additional level of security for owners that reassures them that if the rent is missed then they have a valid backup who is French. There are a few sites who offer a French guarantor service, one is private while the others are government- run, meaning that there are higher restrictions on becoming an eligible applicant. So here are your options: 1) La Cle (www.lokaviz.fr) which limits you to being a PhD student of you’re over 30 years of age. 2) Visale (www.visale.f) which won’t accept students who aren’t working. Aand if you’re a study abroad student like I was, then working while you’re here won’t be your top priority, as you’ll be treading water trying to discover aring new countryies and its culturecultures. 3) This is the most flexible option, Supergarant (www.supergarant.fr) is a private, French guarantor who has a unique application process that includes an interview so you get to talk with a real person. This also gives you the chance to ask questions about housing or about Paris in general.
These are recommendations to maximize your chances of actually being accepted to the next place you apply. This way you can begin doing the important things like enjoying a coffee at a cafe or hunting down the next, best fromagerie in your new neighborhood.
