Paris - Renting a house

It's very difficult to rent a house or a flat around Paris as the demand is higher than the offer. Prices are also very high. You can rent through an agency or directly from a landlord. If you rent through an agency you will have to pay a fee (honoraries) to cover the agent's costs of finding accommodations and for the administration. The fee is around 2 months' rent.

You will have to sign a lease (bail) for the duration of the rental period. The lease is a written contract generally a ready-to-use printed document, and commonly established for a lease period of 3 years.
If you want to terminate the agreement before the end of the lease period, it is usual to give a 3 months' notice. The notice period can be one month if you are transferred for work reasons or if you lose your job.

An inventory is drawn up. It describes the state of the property, listing any damage. You will do this inventory moving in and moving out. This document must be signed by both parties to make it valid.

Don't pay anything until you have the signed lease and then pay by cheque and ask for a signed and dated receipt (quittance de loyer).

Make sure the monthly rent does include all charges, and that you do not have to pay certain amounts separately.