Renting in France: Everything you need to know (UK guide)

Many UK expats move to France for its culture, landscapes and closeness to home. Life in France can feel quite different from place to place, but your living space is important no matter where you settle.

We’ve put together a guide to renting in France, covering popular destinations, average rental prices and an overview of the rental process. Whether you’re planning a shorter stay or a long-term move, this guide will help you navigate renting with ease.

We’ll also point out a cost-effective way to manage your money across borders from Wise. Open a Wise account and you can send large transfers between the UK and France for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate. This makes it a reliable option for secure international payments.

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Can a UK citizen rent property in France?

UK citizens and other expats can rent property in France. Most rent at first, at least while they get settled.¹ Though it is also possible for Brits to buy property in France, too.

Can you rent a flat without a residence permit?

It’s possible to rent a flat in France without a residence permit, as no law prohibits it. However, for long-term rentals, landlords often require proof of legal residence such as a residence permit or a long-stay visa, so securing one without it may be difficult.²

How does the rental process work in France?

The rental process in France typically begins with a property search either through online platforms or letting agents. Once you find a property of interest, you’ll contact the agent or landlord to arrange a viewing.

If you decide to apply, you’ll need to provide a dossier containing your personal and financial documents. Once your application is approved, you’ll need to sign a rental contract and pay a deposit. You’ll also need to take out rental insurance, which is required by law.³

How do I find a property to rent in France?

If you’re renting in France, you can start by searching online property sites, which list both short and long-term rentals. Letting agents (agences immobilières) are also helpful, especially if you need support with paperwork and local laws.

Good rentals can go fast, so have your documents ready and act quickly.

Letting and rental agents

Letting agents, known as agences immobilières, act as intermediaries between landlords and tenants. They handle viewings, documents and contracts, which can be of great help for newcomers.

When choosing a rental agent in France, make sure they’re a member of one of the three main professional bodies in France. The three bodies are Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier (FNAIM), Syndicat National des Professionels Immobiliers (SPI) and Union Nationale de la Propriete Immobiliere (UNPI).¹

However, renting through an agency can be more expensive in the long run. This is because the agency charges a monthly management fee to the landlord, which is often passed on to the tenant.¹

Agent fees are typically shared between the landlord and tenant, though in some cases the landlord pays the full fee. These are usually capped and depend on the size and location of the property.¹

Here are some popular real estate agencies in France:

• Orpi
• Laforêt Immobilier
• Nestenn
• Century 21
• Square Habitat

Online property sites

There are many well-known online platforms where you can search for rental properties in France. These give you the freedom to browse at your own pace and can help you save on agency fees and sometimes even on rent.

Popular platforms include:

• Le Bon Coin
• PAP
• SeLoger
• Logic-Immo

Types of property to rent in France

France offers a variety of rental property types to suit different needs and budgets. These include houses, apartments, holiday rentals, student accommodation and flatshares. Let’s look at each one and who they’re best suited for.

Houses

If you’re looking to rent a house in France, you might come across different local terms. Houses are called maisons and they’re typically detached, semi-detached or terraced.¹

Common types of rural and suburban houses in France include:

• Bastide (a detached, countryside stone house)
• Domaine (a house with lots of land)
• Ferme (a countryside farmhouse)
• Pavillon (a French bungalow)
• Mas (a traditional Provençal farmhouse)¹

Living in a house is ideal for families or anyone looking for more space and a quieter setting.

Apartments

Apartments are the most common type of rental in French cities. It’s more common for long-term leases to be unfurnished, white furnished properties usually come with a one-year lease.¹

Anything under 40 m² is usually considered a small apartment, while those over 100 m² will be listed as large.¹

Renting an apartment in France is a practical option for those who want to live in the city and stay close to transport, shops and everyday essentials. It also means fewer responsibilities than managing a house.

Holiday rentals

Holiday rentals are a popular choice for short stays and for expats who are just arriving and settling in. They offer more space than a hotel and are ideal for anyone visiting for a limited time. You can find holiday rentals in cities, coastal towns and rural areas throughout France.

Student accommodation

Student housing in France typically includes university residences, private student housing and shared flats near campuses. Student halls are usually the most affordable option, but they tend to fill up quickly, especially in larger cities.¹

Here are some resources where you can find student accommodation and information on how to apply:

• Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS)
• Association for Economic Development and Accommodation of Students (ADELE)
• Center for Student Accommodation in France (CLEF)
• Residences Estudines

Flatshares

Renting a room in a shared flat is a popular way to reduce accommodation costs, especially among students. It’s also a great way to meet new people, especially if you’ve just moved to France.

If you're flatsharing, make sure your name is on the rental contract. Sometimes, rooms are sublet to others, which is legal but provides less protection for the new tenant. If you're moving into a sublet, ask for a basic written agreement with key details like rent and notice period.¹

How much is rent in France?

The cost of renting in France varies widely according to location and the standard of the property. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a central urban area typically costs around €756 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages about €1,410. Living outside the city center can help you save between €150 and €300 monthly, depending on the neighbourhood.⁴

Rent tends to be significantly higher in large cities. In Paris, for example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center exceeds €1,400, while a three-bedroom typically averages close to €3,000.⁵

Wondering how much that would cost in GBP? Check out this handy conversion calculator.

Utilities, internet and other costs when renting in France

When renting property in France, tenants are generally responsible for several extra expenses. These typically include utilities like electricity, gas, water and internet.

In France, utilities for an 85 m² apartment typically run around €185 per month, but prices for some services may increase in larger cities.⁴ You can pick your energy supplier, with EDF and Engie ranking as some of the most popular options.⁶

Water supply in France is provided on a district level, so you can’t choose your provider. If you’d like to find out who your provider is, you can contact the local council.⁶

Another typical monthly expense to consider is internet connection, which generally costs around €30 on average.⁴ You can get a discount if you get a bundle including cable TV and streaming services. Some of the most popular internet providers in France are Bouygues Telecom, Coriolis, Free and Orange.⁷

Besides utilities, tenants must also pay for renter’s insurance, usually between €10 and €30 per month. Monthly charges may also include fees for services like elevator maintenance and waste collection.⁸

Paying for bills and rent in France

In France, rent and bills can be paid in various ways, including direct debits and bank transfers. Opening a bank account in France allows you to deposit euros and make payments locally. In some cases, you might be able to keep your UK bank account and use it to send international transfers, though with some banks this can often involve fees and less favourable exchange rates.

Money transfer services like Wise offer a convenient alternative for handling monthly payments. You can pay bills with Wise through manual transfers or by setting up direct debits. Wise is also a practical option for sending large amounts, such as rent or security deposits, thanks to its low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

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What documents do I need to rent in France?

When renting in France, you’ll need to provide a dossier de location, which is a rental application file with supporting documents. The typical documents include:

• Proof of identity (along with a visa or residence permit)
• Proof of address
• Proof of financial stability (payslips, bank statements, tax returns etc.)
• Guarantor or tenant guarantee
• References from former landlords
• Relevé d'Identité Bancaire (proof of a French bank account)⁹

In case some documents aren’t in French, you might be asked to provide a translation.⁹

Rental agreements and tenancy contracts in France

A rental agreement, or contrat de bail, must be signed no later than the lease start date. If you’re renting through an agency, the contract will be signed with them rather than directly with the landlord.¹

The tenancy contract should include an energy performance certificate, a condition report and an inventory. It must also specify the rent and deposit amounts, details about the property and the length of the lease.¹

The agreement is automatically renewed unless either party gives notice. This notice must be provided in writing and sent by registered letter, either delivered by a bailiff or handed over personally.¹

Tenant laws and rights in France

France has strong tenant protection laws. Once you sign a lease, you are entitled to a number of rights, including proper notice from the landlord before any inspection and repairs. Your landlord also can’t give you notice to end the lease until there are six months or less remaining on the agreement.¹

Rent may be increased once a year, but the increase cannot exceed the change in benchmark rents published by INSEE. In certain high-demand areas with rent controls, tenants can request a reassessment if they believe the rent is too high.¹

How to apply for a property to rent in France

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting property in France:

• Search listings or hire an agent
• Prepare your dossier
• Book viewings
• Send in your application
• Agree on the rental terms
• Sign the tenancy contract
• Pay the deposit and first month’s rent

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

When renting in France, keep the following things in mind:

• Proximity to your work, public transport, schools and other amenities
• Whether utilities are included in the rent
• Whether repairs are needed
• Heating costs and insulation quality
• Noise levels in the area
• Accessibility
• Pet policy
• Tenant insurance fees

Tips for successfully renting in France

Here are some tips to help you rent successfully in France:

• Use reliable property websites and rental agencies
• Visit the property in person before deciding
• Speak with the locals about the noise levels
• Read the contract carefully
• Document the property’s condition when you move in and out
• Keep records of all payments

What’s the best city to rent in France?

Here are some popular cities to consider when renting in France:

Paris

Paris is often seen as the capital of art and culture, but it’s also a major hub for business and education. Despite being a large metropolis, it’s well connected by public transport, so it’s easy to get around without a car.

Living in central Paris comes at a price, with average rent for a one-bedroom around €1,400. However, you can save around €400 if you move to one of the outer arrondissements.⁵

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is famous for its wine, beautiful architecture and warm climate. It offers a good balance of culture, work opportunities and laid-back lifestyle.

A one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Bordeaux rents for an average of €750, making it an affordable option.¹⁰

Lyon

Lyon is known for its high quality of life, cultural heritage and more affordable rents than Paris. It’s well connected to the rest of France and Europe and has a large student population, giving the city a vibrant, youthful feel.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around €800.¹¹

Helpful terms to related to renting in French

Renting in France can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not fluent in the language. To help make the process smoother, here are some essential terms to know when searching for an apartment:

French	English
Meublé	Furnished
Non meublé	Unfurnished
Une location	A property for rent
Caution/Dépôt de garantie	Deposit
Contrat de bail	Lease agreement
L’état des lieux	Inventory and condition report
Propriétaire	Landlord
Appartement	Apartment
Préavis de départ	Lease termination notice
Charges comprises	Utilities included

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

Before renting in France, it’s helpful to get familiar with the types of homes available, typical pricing and tenant rights. Being informed from the beginning makes the process easier and helps you avoid unnecessary problems.

If you’re looking for a simple way to manage your rental expenses, Wise can be a great option. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and France for low, transparent fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also spend in euros using your Wise card. It works in more than 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency, only adding a tiny, upfront currency conversion fee*.

➡️ Open a Wise account

Sources used:

1. Expatica - renting in France
2. Cautioneo - renting without a residence permit
3. Service-public.gouv.fr - tenant insurance
4. Numbeo - cost of living in France vs the UK
5. Numbeo - cost of living in London vs Paris
6. Expatica - setting up utilities in France
7. Expatica - setting up internet in France
8. Cautioneo - what to pay when renting in France
9. Cautioneo - documents
10. Numbeo - cost of living in Bordeaux
11. Numbeo - cost of living in Lyon

Sources last checked on date: 5-Nov-2025