Living in France - Accommodation

ELECTRICITY

Electricity voltage is 220 volts. Sockets comply with European standards. Some devices must be earthed (washing machines and dishwashers, cookers and ovens, etc.). You must contact the nearest agency of the EDF (Electricité de France) a few days before moving in order to obtain an electricity connection.

The television standard used in France is SECAM, not PAL.

WATER

To open the meter, contact the water service in the municipality you are living in (information from the town hall).

HOUSING

The cost of housing varies according to geographical location. It is higher in Paris and in some large cities.

It is possible to find a place to rent through the classified advertisements in newspapers and free weekly papers, or by contacting estate agents or owners’ associations, in which case you must pay for the service. It is also possible to rent or buy directly from owners (see newspapers such as “Particulier à Particulier”). Places for rent can also be found on various Internet sites.
Some town halls may help people looking for housing.

The lease (also known as a rental contract) usually lasts for three years and can be tacitly renewed. It may be terminated under certain conditions (for personal or professional reasons). In the case of termination, the notice is three months for the tenant, reduced to one month in the case of a change of job or unemployment. It must be sent to the owner by registered post.

A deposit (that is returned when the tenant leaves) equivalent to two months’ rent is often requested. Agency costs generally amount to one month’s rent. Rent is payable in advance. When moving in, the tenant usually has to pay three to four months’ rent (first month’s rent, deposit and perhaps agency costs).

Some owners and agencies also ask for “security”, in other words a third person who undertakes to pay rent in the event that the tenant has financial difficulties. Usually the amount of the rent should not exceed 30% of the tenant’s net monthly salary (the last three salary statements are requested by way of proof).

A detailed inventory must be conducted with the owner or his/her representative when the keys are handed over and again when the tenant leaves. In the latter case, if any damage has been done to the premises, the owner may then keep all or part of the deposit. Two identical copies of the inventory are drawn up, dated and signed by the owner (or his/her representative) and the tenant.

Tenants must take out comprehensive home insurance (an insurance certificate must be given to the owner before signing the lease).

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.