Information on Renting a French ApartmentIf you are an American looking for French apartments and you're feel a little nervous about it, don't be as the process isn't that much different than the American one. Not speaking French won't be much of a hindrance in this instance either as many rental agencies employ English speaking people. These agencies are not unaccustomed to dealing with English speaking customers.
Regardless if you go to one of the agencies to help you find an apartment or not, you have to first decide what you are looking for in an apartment. In France it won't be hard to find apartments that come furnished. A furnished apartment would be great if you plan to stay for a year or less. You should also think about other things like what floor you want to live on. Do you want a balcony? And there are so many other things you need to consider. The rental agency will help you find an apartment but you need to know what you are looking for.
After checking out the newspaper or visiting the agency you should have several apartments to checkout. Visit each and every apartment and see it for yourself. Never sign a lease based on pictures alone.
You shouldn't have any trouble communicating with agency representatives but that may not be the case with landlords. It may be possible to arrange for a representative of the rental agency to go with you on your apartment visits to interpret for you. If not, you really should hire an interpreter to accompany you when you look for apartments.
Many French landlords have the same requirements you will find in the states. They will want you to produce evidence of your salary. The French call this proof a CDI. It would be the American equivalent of a pay stub. If you haven't started your job or for some other reason can't prove your income there are workarounds. In the case that you cannot prove your income, the landlord may require that you have a cosigner or that you have a shorter lease term; most likely month to month.
If you forgo the services of an interpreter when looking for French apartment rentals is absolutely necessary that you have your lease translated for you if it is in French. You are legally bound by your lease so understanding every word is extremely important. If you are new to France you are undoubtedly new to their legally system so you should not assume any legal document would be similar to their American equivalent.
More About The Author: George Awalt is long time industry writer and blogger. He enjoys debating the latest industry news, writing, and listening to music. Check out this link for more info: Ville Et Village France You can find more of his writing on the author's profile.