Expatriate tenants in France : everything you need to know about guarantors

Expatriation is much more than just moving out to a foreign country. It’s a unique opportunity to get out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s to continue your studies, start a new job or simply live a different experience, moving to another country is a well-worth adventure.

Living in France as an expatriate is a rewarding experience, but behind the excitement of this new life also lie some challenges to overcome, including finding an apartment to rent. If you’re an expat thinking of moving to France, it’s essential to present a guarantor to strengthen the credibility of your rental file and reassure landlords of your ability to pay the rent. Navigating this process is not an easy task, which is why Lodgis explains in detail in this article the importance of guarantors in France, especially for foreign students, and offers you some practical solutions to make your property rental a success. Let’s go !

Having a guarantor is landlord’s requirement for expatriate tenants in France

The current tension in the furnished rental market in France is particularly present in the major cities, where demand often exceeds supply. Paris, Lyon and Montpellier, in particular, are examples of very high-demanding markets. French statistics have shown that it takes an average of 3 to 4 months to find a studio to rent in Paris. This is the result of the increasing presence of expatriates, students and professionals, who prefer furnished rental for its flexibility and convenience.

Discover our selection of furnished apartments and studios in Paris.

In addition to the rental deposit that is often required upfront, for french landlords, renting out their property represents a major financial commitment, and the owner wants to be sure that their tenants will be able to pay their monthly rent. This is where the role of a guarantor comes in : a person, or an organization who vouches for the tenant, or, in a more simple way, who pays for the monthly rent if the tenant doesn’t make the payment.

It is also important to know that, for a guarantor to be accepted by the landlord, he or she generally has to prove an income equivalent to three times the amount of the rent. This guarantee reassures landlords, especially when they rent their property to people whose profile is considered to be ‘at risk’, such as students, young professionals or expatriates with no credit history in France. For expatriate tenants, this guarantee can quickly become a headache, especially as it is difficult to find a local guarantor if you have no family or friends in France.

I don’t have anyone in France to vouch for me : are there other solutions ?

If you’re an expatriate in France and you can’t provide a physical guarantor, don’t give up. In this case, there are still alternatives for consolidating your rental file! With Lodgis, you can have a foreign guarantor by subscribing to the service of Garantme – our reliable partner who acts as guarantor for the foreign tenant, instead of a traditional guarantor. The advantage? This type of guarantee is simple, quick and accepted by the vast majority of landlords in France.

After registering online, you submit the documents needed to assess your application. Once your application has been validated, Garantme will issue you with a rental guarantee certificate. This legal certificate will be a major asset in reassuring landlords and proving your seriousness when signing the lease, even if you don’t have a physical guarantor in France. This guarantee will considerably increase your chances of being selected for your dream property.

In addition to services such as Garantme, there are also other options for expatriate tenants :
• Student residence : some university halls of residence offer accommodation without requiring a guarantor, particularly for foreign students. These residences are often furnished, which can be a particularly advantageous solution for the tenant in this case. Everything is already in place : you will not have to worry about buying furniture and can concentrate on other aspects of your new life.

• Shared accommodation: this is the most popular rental solution for foreign students. It is sometimes possible to benefit from a level of flexibility regarding lease duration, or guarantors, especially if the other housemates have already settled in.

Preparing a solid rental file as an expatriate :

Even with a guarantor or with an alternative solution, it is important to prepare a complete and solid rental file to maximise your chances with the landlord. Here is a list of legal documents to prepare if you want to rent, according to the French law :

• Identity papers : passeport, residence permit, etc.

• Prrof of income : if you have a job or a grant, provide proof of this income.

• Certificate of guarantor : if you use a guarantor solution such as Garantme, the certificate will be a strength for your tenant file.

• References : if you have already rented in France or elsewhere, a letter of recommendation from your previous landlord can make all the difference.

• Bank statements : these bank documents show your futur landlord that your financial situation is stable.

• Proof of insurance : in France, having rental insurance (assurance d’habitation) is mandatory. Landlords often require proof of insurance to ensure that both their property and your belongings are protected. Without valid insurance, you might face delays in finalizing your lease agreement, as this document is crucial for the landlord’s peace of mind and compliance with French rental regulations.

And now that the guarantee conditions are clear, all you have to do is choose the ideal apartment for your new adventure. Let us help you with your rental search. At Lodgis, we offer a wide range of furnished apartment for rent that suits all budgets and preferences, in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and in other major cities in France. Whether you’re looking for a cosy studio or a spacious apartment, we’re committed to making your rental experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact Lodgis to start your rental search and bring your expatriation plans to fruition with complete confidence!