The Paris Rental Market in 2025: Challenges and Solutions

Why is Renting in Paris So Difficult?

The Paris rental market has never been tighter. In 2024, the number of available rental properties dropped by more than 30%, making it increasingly difficult to find a place to live. While new regulations aim to curb short-term rentals like Airbnb, other factors continue to limit supply, leaving demand far greater than availability.

Why Are Landlords So Selective?

In France, rental laws heavily favor tenants, making evictions extremely difficult. If a tenant stops paying rent or damages the apartment, it can take several months for a landlord to regain control. To avoid risks, landlords prioritize tenants with the strongest applications. This often means requiring:

• A French guarantor
• French income tax returns
• Three recent pay slips
• Proof of stable employment, ideally a CDI (permanent work contract)

Unfortunately, landlords often reject foreign incomes, making it particularly difficult for expats, freelancers, and those on temporary contracts to secure a rental.

Who Struggles the Most to Rent in Paris?

The following profiles often find it difficult to get accepted:

• Freelancers & digital nomads with no French income
• Employees with a CDI who are still in their probationary period
• Retirees or individuals on sabbatical with sufficient savings but no French earnings

If you fall into one of these categories, you’ll need a solid rental strategy and possibly professional assistance to improve your chances.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals: What’s Changing?

Short-term rentals in Paris have become significantly more expensive due to new anti-Airbnb regulations. Paris City Hall now limits short-term rentals to 90 days per year, making long-term furnished rentals a more common (but still costly) option.

Why Furnished Rentals Are More Available:

1. Tax benefits for landlords renting furnished apartments.
2. Post-COVID market shift: Many short-term rental apartments have been converted into long-term furnished rentals.
3. Paris City Hall regulations discouraging short-term leases have increased long-term rental supply.

Understanding the Role of Real Estate Agencies

Unlike in some countries, France does not have an MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This means rental listings are fragmented, and you’ll need to check multiple sources. You can rent either:

• Directly from the owner
• Through a real estate agency (which charges a fee equivalent to about one month’s rent)

Agencies may only handle the initial rental process, after which you’ll communicate directly with the landlord. In some cases, an agency continues to manage the property.

How to Make Your Rental Application Stand Out

Income Requirements

To be eligible for a rental, your net monthly income must be at least 3 times the rent. For example, if your rent is €1,000, your take-home salary should be at least €3,000 netto (after social charges).

Essential Documents for Your Rental File (Dossier)

A well-prepared rental dossier is critical. Your file should be digitally organized and include:

• Cover page with key details and table of contents
• Proof of identity (passport, visa)
• Employment contract & three recent pay slips
• French tax return (if applicable)
• Guarantor information (if required)

If you are missing a document, include a written explanation.

Alternative Rental Guarantees

In the past, a physical guarantor was required. Today, there are professional rental guarantee services, such as:

• Garantme (~€540/year for €1,000 rent)
• Smartgarant (slightly cheaper than Garantme)
• Visale (a free option, but with strict eligibility criteria)

However, not all landlords accept these guarantees.

The Rental Search Process

There’s no shortcut to finding an apartment in Paris—you must be persistent and organized. Follow these steps:

1. Search online: Websites like SeLoger list available rentals.
2. Make phone calls: Speaking directly with an agency or landlord (in French) is crucial.
3. Check for unpaid rent insurance (GLI): If an agency requires it, and your file doesn’t meet the criteria, you will not be considered.

Rental Visits: What You Need to Know

• Be ready to decide quickly—apartments often get rented the same day.
• Schedule multiple visits in one day or one week.
• Group visits are common, so make a positive impression on the agent.
• Confirm how to submit your application before leaving the visit.

 

 

Why Work with a Relocation Agency?

Finding a rental in Paris is complex and time-consuming, especially for non-residents. A relocation agency like MyParisTouch can help by:

• Presenting your file in the best possible way
• Connecting you with real estate agents who prioritize relocation clients
• Saving you time and stress—we’ve found homes for over 30 clients in an average of two weeks

Want expert help? Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation!

You can download my very detailed guide to finding a rental in Paris.