If you are planning on renting anywhere in France, you have to fill out a rental application that includes information about you and your guarantor. A guarantor is a person (or in some cases, an organization) who confirms that the tenant is trustworthy by vouching for him. The guarantor helps the owner gaining trust in your profile.
Most landlords will insist on this requirement: it is a common way for them to ensure their tenant is reliable. If you can’t provide a French guarantor, you may be asked to pay up to twelve months rent upfront. This can leave less bargaining power if something goes wrong in your accommodation.
The guarantor can be :
A person : a relative (relative, friend...) whose income is earned in France and is sufficient to pay both his personal expenses and your rent if necessary. In case of non-payment, the owner will turn to this person to claim payment of the rent.
A corporation. In this case, a bank, association or company will act as guarantor for you. Studapart, notably, can become your guarantor.
What are the supporting documents to provide ?
A french person : a relative (relative, friend...)
Type | Applicable documents | What to look for? |
Identity document |
| Check that the expiration date has not passed.
|
Proof of income |
| If employed: check that the pay slips are those of the last 3 months and that the net salary paid is above the minimum required by the lessor. Check the date of seniority: the guarantor must be employed for more than 8 months. If this is not the case, ask for an employer's certificate stating that the guarantor is not in a trial period, nor in a dismissal procedure, nor in a resignation procedure.
|
Rent / property tax receipts |
| Check the dates. |
Proof of address |
| Check that the bill is less than 3 months old.
|
Tax notice |
| Check that the guarantor's taxable income is higher than the minimum required by the lessor. |
A foreign person : a relative (relative, friend...) → little accepted by the renters but you can put them to reassure the renter.
Type | Applicable documents | What to look for? |
Identity document |
| Check that the expiration date has not passed.
|
Proof of income |
| If employed: check that the pay slips are those of the last 3 months and that the net salary paid is above the minimum required by the lessor.
|
Rent / property tax receipts |
| Check that the bill is less than 3 months old.
|
Proof of address |
| Check that the guarantor's taxable income is higher than the minimum required by the lessor. |
A corporation :
> The name of the company
> Contact information (phone number)
> Supporting document (proof of subscription)
How to obtain a corporation as guarantor?
If you do not have a physical guarantor (or you can’t provide a French guarantor) : with the Guaranteed Profile, Studapart can be your guarantor for the time of your stay in France! Learn more about the Guaranteed Profile here
Can my school be my guarantor?
Some schools accept to be guarantors for their students. Contact the administration of your school to find out.