Accommodation in Paris

Finding accommodation in Paris means sifting through a densely packed city with many neighbourhoods, each with a distinct flavour and personality. When searching for your next home in the French capital, you should take a walk through the city and explore each respective area before securing housing.

The public transport infrastructure in Paris ranks among the densest in the world, with 16 metro lines and over 300 stations, so you’ll find it more difficult to locate a place off the grid than on it. Therefore, your choice of location is generally a matter of price and taste more than transit convenience.

Getting Around in Paris 

Areas and suburbs in Paris

The areas in Paris span across 20 distinct arrondissements, each with its own character and charm. The city’s arrondissements spiral outward from the centre in a clockwise direction, with lower numbers generally indicating more central (and often pricier) locations.

For expat families, the western arrondissements (particularly the 8th, 16th, and 17th) offer excellent schools and spacious apartments. Other family-friendly options include Charonne in the 20th arrondissement (nicknamed ‘la Campagne à Paris’) and the Buttes-Chaumont district in the 19th, which offer more affordable options with access to green spaces. Beyond the city proper, you’ll discover suburbs that offer more space while maintaining good transport links to central Paris.

Best Places to Live in Paris 

Types of accommodation in Paris

Types of accommodation in Paris largely depend on location. In and around the city centre, you’ll mostly find apartments and studios, while houses and cottages become more common further into the suburbs.

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation exists throughout Paris. Furnished options cost more and tend to suit short-term rental needs. Unfurnished accommodation rarely includes appliances such as fridges or stoves. Always take a full inventory of the apartment’s condition upon arrival. This practice not only clarifies expectations for both you and your landlord but also shows responsible tenancy.

The main types of accommodation in Paris include:

Chambre de Bonne

A chambre de bonne is the smallest and cheapest type of accommodation in Paris. These former maids’ quarters typically sit on the top floor of Haussmannian buildings, accessed by a separate staircase. The legal minimum size is 97 square feet (9m²), although many range between 65 and 130 square feet. These tiny spaces now serve as mini-apartments, sometimes called chambres de service or studettes. They house mainly students or young professionals and might share bathroom facilities with neighbouring apartments.

Apartments

Apartments are the most common form of accommodation in Paris and are available at various price points depending on size, quality and location. Many residents share multi-bedroom apartments, not only to split costs but also to deal with the city’s high housing demand. When renting an apartment in Paris, you can expect standard modern amenities, although older units may lack parking or central heating.

Facilities matter greatly when assessing an apartment’s quality. Pay extra for an apartment with individual heating control, as some landlords turn off a building’s heating when they go to bed.

Houses

Houses in the suburbs of Paris offer a popular housing choice if you prefer more space. These properties frequently feature multiple floors and often include a garden, but cost considerably more than apartments. Although houses in Paris sell more commonly than rent, your diligent property search should uncover both options.

Finding accommodation in Paris

The process of finding accommodation in Paris is similar to other French locations, but with steeper prices and fiercer competition. When looking for accommodation in the city, expect to manage with smaller-than-average living spaces despite the high costs. If your budget feels tight, consider looking beyond central Paris or sharing an apartment with others.

Social networking sites prove extremely helpful when searching for Parisian housing. High demand and unpredictable listings lead many property owners to advertise only through their personal networks, so tapping into your contacts or joining online groups gives you a real edge in your housing search.

Useful links

• SeLoger: French Property Portal
• PAP: Property Search Without Agency Fees
• LeBonCoin: Popular Classified Ads Site
• Lodgis: Furnished Rentals in Paris

Renting accommodation in Paris

Act quickly once you find a suitable property, as the intense competition in Paris means listings often disappear minutes after posting.

Making an application

First impressions with landlords can determine whether you secure a lease or continue searching, especially with dozens of eager applicants for each property. Arrive prepared with all required documents to start the application process immediately. These typically include proof of identity, evidence of income (last three payslips), previous tax notice, recent bank statements, and often a guarantor. French landlords place significant importance on this documentation package, known as a ‘dossier’.

Leases

Standard leases in France typically run for 12 months. While shorter terms can sometimes be negotiated directly with landlords, most property owners prefer not to offer them.

French tenancy law strongly favours renters, making evictions and rent increases difficult for landlords. Any rental increase requires written notice at least six months in advance. Landlords must also demonstrate that the proposed increase aligns with current market values for similar properties.

Deposits

Apartment deposits usually equal one month’s rent, with landlords expecting two months’ advance rent payment on top of this. When you decide to move out, provide at least three months’ notice to your landlord, although lease clauses can sometimes reduce this period. A damage-free exit inspection should result in your full deposit return.

Terminating the lease

Terminating your lease requires written notice to your landlord. Standard notice periods run three months, although certain situations like job transfers or health issues can reduce this to one month. Send your termination letter by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt to create a proper legal record of your notice.

Renting Accommodation in France

Utilities in Paris

Organising utilities in Paris requires careful review of your lease paperwork to understand what your rental price includes. You typically pay your own utility bills, although short-term rentals sometimes bundle these costs.

French law requires home insurance (assurance habitation) when renting accommodation. This mandatory coverage protects against theft, fire and property damage, including communal areas. Monthly costs vary seasonally, typically lower in spring and summer and rising during winter, based on your property size.

Electricity

Electricity in Paris comes primarily through EDF (Électricité de France), although you can also shop for competition through various providers. Setting up electric service requires your rental agreement, identification, and banking details. Most Paris homes use modern circuit breakers rather than old-fashioned fuse boxes, simplifying power management.

Gas

Gas service in Paris primarily comes from Engie (formerly GDF Suez), with several competitors also operating in the market. Many Parisian apartments rely on gas for heating and cooking appliances. When moving in, record meter readings and contact your chosen supplier to establish service in your name.

Water

Water services in Paris fall under Eau de Paris management. Apartment buildings often include water charges in communal building fees, while houses typically have individual meters. Paris tap water meets high safety standards and undergoes strict quality monitoring, making it perfectly drinkable.

Bins and recycling

Bins and recycling in Paris follow a straightforward colour-coded system. Yellow bins hold recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastic), green bins take general waste, and white bins collect glass. Some areas now also feature brown bins for food waste and composting. Most apartment buildings assign a caretaker (gardienne) to place bins on the street for collection. Collection schedules vary by arrondissement, with details available on the Paris city website or from your building manager.

Useful links

• EDF: Electricity Services
• Engie: Gas Services
• Eau de Paris: Water Services
• Paris Waste Management: Collection Information
• Selectra: English-Speaking Utility Setup Service