n Paris, luxury rentals are plentiful — but rarely available as primary residence leases. Finding a high-end apartment where you can officially register your main home can feel like a real challenge.

The upscale rental market in Paris is very active, yet most property owners prefer secondary residence or “Code Civil” leases. These contracts offer greater flexibility, higher rents, and fewer restrictions on ending the lease or reclaiming the property.

By contrast, a primary residence lease (“bail résidence principale”) comes with heavy legal obligations: rent control, strict notice periods, capped deposits, and strong tenant protection. For many landlords, especially when dealing with foreign tenants or overseas income, this framework feels too rigid and risky.

As a result, high-end primary residence rentals have become increasingly rare. Even well-qualified tenants face fierce competition and demanding application criteria. The imbalance is especially evident in prime districts like the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements, where landlords often prefer more flexible arrangements with international clients.

At MyParisTouch, we guide our clients through this complex market, helping them identify suitable opportunities and choose the right lease type for their needs