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Accommodation guide 2011
University of London Institute in Paris
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Accommodation Guide 2011
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University of London Institute in Paris
From Student and Academic Services Finding accommodation in Paris is not always easy either for French or foreign students. You will therefore need to be patient, determined, full of energy and flexible! We provide information and advice to students registered on undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at ULIP. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:15am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm throughout the year, apart from Institutional Closure Days over the Christmas and Easter periods, and Public Holidays (refer to the ULIP website for this year’s closure dates). Further information on financial support, health insurance and other practical advice to help you prepare your move to France will be made available in early summer. Bon courage et à bientôt! Catherine Duperray Student and Academic Services University of London Institute in Paris 9Ͳ11, rue de Constantine 75340 Paris Cedex 07 Tel: +33 (0) 1 44 11 73 83/76 Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 11 73 82 email: french@ulip.lon.ac.uk web: www.ulip.lon.ac.uk
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University of London Institute in Paris
Contents Getting started What are the options? When to look? Where to look?
Planning Area guide Looking and checking obligations
3 3 6 7
9 9 9
Money Matters
11
Moving In and Moving Out
14
Inventory and Schedule of Condition Utility companies
14 15
Opening a bank account
16
Where can I go for more help?
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University of London Institute in Paris
Getting started
What are the options? Student and Academic services can provide some advice and help regarding certain private lettings based on its small database of potential landlords, either in Paris or in the suburbs. Renting a studio flat in a private hall of residence – Les Estudines/Appart’City These studios are located on the outskirts of Paris and offer facilities (door code, caretaker, laundrette, cafeteria, Internet, etc). ULIP is in contact with certain residences which admit students. An application pack will be sent to all BA applicants in April. Résidence Estudines Grande Arche (La Défense) 11, allée des Tilleuls, 92400 Courbevoie Tel: +33 (0)149 974 000 ladefense.grandearche@estudines.fr Résidence Appart’City St Maurice 18, rue Maréchal Leclerc, 94220 St Maurice saintͲmaurice@appartcity.com Tel: +33 (0)149 772 340 The studios are well laidͲout and fullyͲfurnished: T1 and T1 bis (slightly larger) are studios, while a T2 has two rooms. They all include a fridge, a microwave, crockery, etc. In 2011/12 the cost will be €698 per month in Estudines Grande Arche and from €730 to €790 in Appart’City St Maurice. The lease is for one full year and all students are entitled to Housing Benefit (see page 9). Virtual tours can be made on the websites: www.estudines.fr and www.appartcity.com Students can also apply directly to any of the groups’ residences – including the ones in Central Paris Ͳ or other privately run halls of residence, but note that prices may be higher or students may be asked to have a guarantor in France. Campusea Icade Immobilier Tel: +33 (0) 825 007 500 Tel: +33 (0) 825 332 332 www.campusea.fr www.icadeͲimmobilier.com
Lamy Résidences Tel: +33 (0) 820 830 820 www.lamyͲresidences.fr
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Renting a room or a studio at the Collège FrancoͲBritannique of the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris Students may apply for a room or a studio at the British Students’ House of the Cité Universitaire complex. Prices range from €500 to €950 depending on the type of accommodation. Although postgraduate students have priority, undergraduate students may also try to reserve a room depending on each year’s availability. For more information please contact them directly. Tel: +33 (0)158 104 000 or +33 (0)158 104 010 www.ciup.fr/fr/les_maisons/college_franco_britannique/ Renting private accommodation (studio flats or a maid’s room) The availability and price of studio flats will vary greatly according to the area: from €450 to €950. Finding an affordable studio in central Paris can prove to be a real battle! Unlike a maid’s room, a studio would include a bathroom and a kitchen or kitchenette. The maid’s room or chambre de bonne (a small independent room) is located on the top floor of an apartment building originally intended for families with maids. It is rarely more than 10sqm. Some have been refurbished, but you may have to share the toilets and/or shower with other occupants. This is a cheaper form of accommodation: from €400 to €600 per month. Flat sharing FlatͲsharing is becoming less unusual in Paris. Landlords are, however, often reluctant to let to a group of students, who frequently have a reputation for noise and disorder. It can cost between €550 and €850 per month per person. If you are interested in flat sharing (colocation), please visit the following specialised websites: www.appartager.com www.colocation.fr www.easycoloc.com www.eͲcolocation.fr
www.kelͲkoloc.fr
Living with a family Even though it may not be your first choice, there are a number of advantages of living with a family: Ǧ it is generally cheaper, and bills are often included in the rent
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Ǧ flats are in good repair (ownerͲoccupied properties are generally kept in better repair than rental properties) Ǧ there is good availability: these offers are sometimes the only way that a student can find a property in a central location. There are two possibilities when living with a family: renting a room as a lodger and homestays. a.
Renting a room as a lodger
ULIP is in contact with a small number of families who let a room in their flat either as a contribution to rent or in exchange for English lessons or babyͲsitting. Single rooms in family flats like this come with access (sometimes under specified conditions) to the bathroom and kitchen, without it amounting to a flatͲshare. Some rooms come with a private bathroom. This option costs from €400 to €700 per month. If you like playing loud music or coming home in the middle of the night though, you are better advised to choose a different type of accommodation. b.
Host families
Homestays are suitable for students who want to live in a family environment without spending time on routine chores such as cooking and cleaning. We are in contact with some resident host families who offer their lodgers meals (breakfast and dinner) and expect them to live as part of the family. Most of these families live on the outskirts of Paris and have been dealing with our students for years. InͲhouse offers: €660 per month (breakfast and dinner included). Some families offer a room with a private bathroom. The advantage of this kind of accommodation is that you usually do not have to commit yourself to a very long stay and your French will improve greatly. This option can also be appropriate for YearͲAbroad students who only spend a term at ULIP, as shortͲterm rentals are often very expensive. For shortͲterm rentals, please consult specialised websites such as: www.lodgis.com or www.locaflat.com or www.parisrentaparts.com or www.ahparis.com
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The agencies below also match students with host families. Please note however that you may have to pay an administration fee either included in the price of the room or in supplement. ATOME 6, passage des Arts, 75014 Paris Tel: +33 (0)140 460 746 contact@atomeparis.com www.atomeparis.com
France Accommodation and Culture Albine de Laforcade 53, rue Boissière 75116 Paris Tel: +33 (0) 145 004 551 FranceͲaccommodation@wanadoo.fr www.facͲparis.com
Renting a room in a private hostel for students Private hostels usually have a religious background (often Catholic or Protestant), but you will not be refused a place on the basis of your religion. Most are for women only. Some are quite strict on entrance and exit times and you will have less freedom to bring home friends or guests. However, the hostels are often located in central Paris and the rent is quite cheap. There are single or double rooms and meals are served in a refectory. Application forms must be requested well in advance directly from the hostel you are interested in. Hostel addresses are available from the Union nationale des maisons d’étudiants: www.unmeͲasso.com.
When to look? When you look depends on the kind of accommodation that you are looking for. If you are looking for a private hostel or hall of residence you will need to apply months in advance. We strongly advise you to travel to Paris for flat hunting two to three weeks before the start of term. Do not plan to stay a day or two, or for a weekend only. A period of five to six days at least is more reasonable. For MA students starting their course in October, we recommend that you come to Paris as early as the end of August, and certainly no later than September 15th
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in order to have a good choice of offers. Please bear in mind though, that many Parisians are away on holiday in August. If you look for accommodation at the end of August, please note that you may have to pay your rent from 1 September. Make sure you visit properties before committing yourself – advertisements and photos can be deceiving! Stay away from offers asking for a payment to book the flat in advance of seeing it. Addresses of shortͲstay youth hostels, organisations and hotels where you can stay while you look for accommodation are available on www.parisinfo.com
Where to look? Word of mouth referral by other students Most BA second and third year students find their housing by direct referral from other students, who are graduating from ULIP. This is a good method and quite reliable, because the referral will give you invaluable information on the landlord, the neighbours, the general safety of the area and the soundness and suitability of the property. Newspapers and websites Several specialised newspapers and magazines can help you find accommodation: De particulier à particulier, J’annonce, L’Indicateur Bertrand, etc. These newspapers have websites, which you can visit before you arrive in France: www.avendrealouer.fr www.nexdom.com www.entreparticuliers.com www.mapiaule.com www.pap.fr (English version available)
www.seloger.com www.leboncoin.com
There are quite a few websites on student accommodation, including: www.letudiant.fr
www.adele.org
www.lindic.fr
There is also the FUSAC magazine (FranceͲUSA Contacts) which provides housing offers (including a few shortͲterm rentals). This free magazine is published every month and is available at ULIP. Offers can also be found on its website: www.fusac.fr
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Notice boards A number of organisations have useful notice boards. American Church (tenͲminuteͲwalk from ULIP) 65 quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris Tel: +33 (0)140 620 500 Métro: Invalides C.R.O.U.S. (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires de Paris) 39 av. Georges Bernanos, 75231 Paris Cédex 05 dse@crousͲparis.fr www.crousͲparis.fr Tel: +33 (0)140 513 600 The Paris Tourist Office 25 rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris Tel: +33 (0)892 683 000 The tourist office provides information on housing (student hostels, youth hostels, hotels, furnished flats, etc.) Ͳ www.parisinfo.com Agencies Agencies can be very useful, especially for students following the BA course and who will be staying in Paris for three years. Unless you are fluent in French and know your rights as a renter, we advise you to deal with agents to have the minimal legal protections that they offer against deceptive practices. Agency fees – approximately one month’s rent – are due when the contract is signed. Please note that they cannot charge you just to show you accommodation. We recommend you choose wellͲknown estate agencies. Further information is available from: www.hestia.fr www.laforet.com www.foncia.fr www.fnaim.fr www.century21.fr Be careful of ‘housing lists’ sold by dishonest agencies or through some newspapers. They are expensive and you will find that most flats on the lists have already been let.
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Planning Area guide Where to live in Paris? Paris is divided into 20 districts, called arrondissements (corresponding to the last two digits of the postcode – for example 75007, seventh arrondissement) and of course, some areas are more pleasant (and more expensive) than others: the eastern half of Paris is on the whole more accessible on a student budget than the western half. Make sure you check how far the accommodation is from a Métro or RER station or Bus route and look at the travelling time rather than the distance to ULIP.
Looking and checking obligations Inspecting a property It is very important to inspect a property thoroughly before signing a lease. You must be sure to check even for the most obvious problems in the room or flat. You will usually be viewing prospective properties during the summer months, when days are sunny and warm. Try to imagine the same property on a grey, wet day in November to alert you to any potential problems in the future. It is also advisable to go back at night and see if the street is wellͲlit and how safe it appears. For your safety, try not to visit properties alone. Please note that ULIP does not inspect or endorse any lodgings. Choosing a property is entirely at the students’ discretion. Guarantor (caution) Depending on the type of accommodation you are looking for, a guarantor will almost always be required. The guarantor will have to agree to pay your rent and charges if you do not pay. When negotiating a rental you are advised to bring a document from your parents or bank guaranteeing payment of your rent, as well as proof of your identity and ULIP will provide you with a preͲregistration certificate from ULIP. Please note that some landlords may give priority to people with a French guarantor.
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Whatever the guarantor’s nationality, he/she will have to provide the following documents: Ǧ copies of the three most recent payslips or latest tax return proof of address (copy of latest utility bill) Ǧ copy of ID card, passport or driving licence Ǧ bank account details Please note that ULIP cannot issue a guarantee of payment for your rent. Lease (bail) or contract A written lease is compulsory by law. It is the landlord’s responsibility to prepare the contract, set the rent, and define payment conditions and guarantees. Note: you will need a written contract to apply for French housing benefit. ULIP cannot be held responsible for any dispute that may occur between you and your landlord. Make sure you understand EVERYTHING in the contract before signing. When you sign a contract, you are agreeing to its terms and conditions. Always get it checked first. We will be happy to help you, where possible. Once signed, make sure you have a copy of the contract. Be careful: if you are sharing a flat with other people and only your name is on the lease, then you alone will be liable for any damage caused to the property and for unpaid rent! If all tenants sign the lease, you will then all have the same rights and obligations with respect to the landlord. If the property is furnished, it is strongly advised that the following elements are included in the contract: Ǧ name and address of both landlord and tenant. Ǧ start date of lease and duration (normally 1 year, possibly 9 months when it is rented to a student). Ǧ how leaving the property should be notified: how much notice should be given by the tenant (normally one month) or landlord (normally 3 months). Ǧ rent, payment arrangements and review of rent.
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Ǧ the amount of service charges and in particular a list of maintenance charges, repair works and taxes which you will need to pay to the landlord, the amount of the deposit and the obligation for the tenant to get insurance against water damage, fire, explosion and theft. Ǧ a description of the flat (size, number of rooms, etc. ) The following documents should be attached to the lease: Ǧ Detailed inventory of the furniture and the appliances Ǧ Property inspection report (Etat des lieux) ie a detailed record of the condition of the property at the beginning of the agreement Ǧ Guarantor’s letter Ǧ Technical diagnosis reports (energy performance, lead poisoning and statement of natural and technological risks) You need to hand in your notice by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) one month before you leave if the property is furnished; three months before you leave if the property is not furnished, except if specified otherwise on the lease. The notice starts on the day the registered letter is received. SubͲletting a flat is prohibited, unless you have your landlord’s written consent.
Money Matters Rent (loyer) Rents are more or less the same in Paris as in London, and higher than in other British cities. Students should budget for between €600 and €1000 per month for independent accommodation. Rent is payable monthly, at the beginning of each month. The monthly rent is due in full at the start of the month, even if you move out before the end of the month (unless you have a special arrangement with your landlord). Remember always to ask for a rent receipt, called a quittance de loyer. It should be issued free of charge.
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Council (local) and TV taxes All tenants are required to pay a council tax (taxe d’habitation) for the flat they are occupying on 1st January. Further information may be found at www.impots.gouv.fr . You may also ask your landlord or local tax office (Centre des impôts). If you have a TV in your flat you will also have to pay a TV tax (Redevance TV) which has to be paid at the same time as the council tax. Service charges (Charges locatives) On top of rent, the tenant often has to pay the landlord an extra amount called charges locatives. This corresponds to the sum that the landlord has to pay for general building maintenance and routine repairs; for the lift, caretaker and other services; and for taxes and various local services. Always check whether the agreed rent includes or excludes charges. Always check whether heating, electricity and/or water are included in service charges. The damage deposit The landlord will usually ask for a damage deposit (dépot de garantie) usually equal to two months’ rent (excluding charges) in a furnished flat. Make sure you ask for a receipt – especially if you are paying in cash. Having said that, we strongly advise you against paying in cash. The deposit will be returned to you – at the latest two months after you leave – if you have not caused any damage and have paid all outstanding bills. However, the landlord will keep the deposit if you leave before the arranged date without giving sufficient notice. Insurance Household insurance is compulsory. All properties must be insured against water damage, fire and explosion. You may be asked by the landlord to hand in a certificate proving you insured the property. Household insurance can be taken out with specialised companies like Macif or AXA or with banks.
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MACIF offers an insurance policy called contrat PREM’S for single students under the age of 26. In 2010/11, the cost was €58 per year for a studio flat or a oneͲ bedroom flat. Information in English is available from www.macif.fr Although it is not compulsory, it is wise to get covered for your legal liability (responsabilité civile) with respect to the property. UpͲfront costs example As an example, if you move into a studio costing €700, you would need to pay: Deposit (two months) First month’s rent Insurance (annual) Total
€1400 €700 €60 €2160
Housing benefit for students (allocation logement) If your name is on the lease, even if you are only spending part of the year in Paris, you are likely to be entitled to financial support from the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). Please note that you cannot get housing benefit for your first month’s rent and the amount you get depends, amongst other things, on the rent, the size of the flat and the area, so please keep this in mind when budgeting. Housing benefit can be estimated via the CAF website: www.caf.fr An average student monthly budget Housing
€700
Electricity
€45
Insurance
€5
Food Public transport
€250 €35
Entertainment & leisure
€150
Living
€100
TOTAL
€1285
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Moving In and Moving Out Inventory and Schedule of Condition Property inspection report (état des lieux) The état des lieux is a very important document, as it describes the state of repair of the property as well as any furniture and equipment it contains. It is used to compare the state of the property at the beginning and at the end of the lease and, if repairs need to be undertaken, to determine whether they are the responsibility of the landlord or of the tenant.
Two written reports need to be completed: Ǧ the first before you move in, when you receive the keys from the landlord. Ǧ the second after you move out, once the property has been emptied, when you return the keys to your landlord. The état des lieux must be attached to the letting contract. All the parties named on the contract need to sign it and receive a copy. If the landlord and tenant do not draw up an état des lieux at the start of the lease, then it will be assumed that the property was in a good state of repair when the tenant moved in. Moving in report Do not just record a general statement such as “property in good condition/average condition/poor condition” as this would be open to interpretation. Record a precise description of each room of the property, from floor to ceiling, including cupboards and heating appliances. It may also be advisable to take photographs, which you can hold on record to accompany the text. Remember to record the water, electricity and/or gas meter readings on the état des lieux and movingͲout report. Inventory for a furnished property A full inventory of the furniture and equipment should be provided by the landlord or agent, and everything should be noted, down to the last teaspoon, including anything that is not working (for which repair can be arranged with the landlord).
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French law gives the tenant 20 days after the moveͲin date to mention to the landlord by registered letter any additional problems or defects. The landlord will be responsible for the costs associated with items on your list. Moving out report An Êtat des lieux also needs to be done at the end of the tenancy. It is advised to clean the property up as much as possible and then arrange a visit for the landlord/agent before the end of the tenancy. The landlord/agent will visit and inspect the property to go through the inventory and schedule of condition. Once you have agreed any differences between the moving in inventory and schedule of condition and the moving out one, get the landlord/agent to confirm in writing the agreed differences. Both the landlord/agent and you should sign and date the inventory. The landlord will then return your deposit, withholding part of if you still owe rent or charges, if any items are missing or if you have caused damage to the property.
Utility companies When you move into the property, you will need to arrange for the supply of electricity, gas or telephone to be transferred into your names. This is a relatively straightforward process. For the gas and electricity, you will simply need to give details of the current meter readings to the suppliers. Electricity / Gas To set up an electricity or gas account: new customers should call 3929 or 0810 800801, giving the name of the previous tenant (ask the landlord). Details of your local EDF or Gas offices are available on www.edf.fr or www.gdf.fr Please note you will have to let EDF or GDF know when you move out too. Telephone To set up a phone line: ring France Telecom on 1014 from your flat (this will enable them to identify the previous phone number). If this is not possible, dial 0969 363900 (English line) with the name of the previous tenant (ask your landlord). Information on call charges is available on www.orange.fr
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Opening a bank account Once you have sorted out your accommodation, one of your first priorities will be to open a bank account, as most landlords request tenants to pay the rent by standing order (virement automatique). You are however advised to keep an account in the UK as that is where you will receive your maintenance loans and bursaries. ULIP is in contact with two bank branches which facilitate the opening of students’ bank accounts prior to their arrival in France. Further information will be available in early summer. You should be aware that in France, overdrafts for students are more difficult to obtain and sustain than in the UK. You should negotiate with the bank you have chosen to ensure that you obtain the best deal possible.
Where can I go for more help? Should you encounter any problems with your accommodation such as conflicts with your landlord, safety matters or dealing with major repairs you have several options for seeking help. ULIP’s Student Union Welfare Officer or Student and Academic Services may be able to assist you with housing advice. However, should you require more detailed legal, financial or taxͲrelated information, please contact one of the following: ADIL 75 (Association Départementale d’Information sur le Logement) 46 bis, Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris Tel: +33 (0)142 795 050 www.adil75.org This organisation gives free advice. CLCV (Association Consommation, Logement et Cadre de Vie) 29 rue Alphonse Bertillon, 75015 Paris Tel: +33 (0)811 953 040 accueil@clcvparis.org www.clcv.org This organisation will ask for contribution (€48 per year in 2010/11). Commission départementale de conciliation des rapports locatifs Tel: +33(0)149 284 326
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Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of printing, we cannot guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. The University of London Institute in Paris reserves the right to modify or cancel any statement in this guide and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising in contract, tort or otherwise from the use of this guide or from the use of any information contained in it, or from any action or decision taken as a result of using this guide or any such information. The University of London Institute in Paris is not responsible for the content or operation of websites referred to in this guide. References to any such sites shall not be taken as an endorsement by ULIP of opinions expressed or services provided at those sites. Š ULIP
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University of London Institute in Paris 9-11 rue de Constantine 75340 Paris Cedex 07, France tel +33 (0) 1 44 11 73 83/76 fax +33 (0) 1 44 11 73 82