What Documents Do You Need to Rent an Apartment in France? Understanding the French Rental Dossier

What Is the French Rental Dossier (Even if You’ve Never Heard the Word)?

Think of the dossier as your rental application file, containing all the documents that prove your identity, income, and ability to pay rent.

In English-speaking countries, you might show a payslip and references.
In France, landlords rely almost entirely on documents — and they expect a full, organised file.

Most landlords will not arrange a viewing until they see that your dossier is ready.

Why Do French Landlords Ask for So Many Documents?

For foreigners, it can feel intrusive. But in France the system is based on paperwork for a few reasons:

1. High demand for rentals
   Landlords receive many applicants and need a fast way to compare them.

2. Strong tenant protections
   Because it is very difficult to evict tenants in France, landlords want proof of stable income.

3. French admin culture
   The system values documents over references or conversations.

4. A complete dossier signals seriousness
   An incomplete file is usually rejected immediately.

What a Strong Rental Dossier Should Contain (Explained in Simple Terms)

Even if you’ve never heard of the dossier, you can build one easily by gathering the documents below.

1. Proof of identity

• Passport

• Residency permit or visa (non-EU)

2. Proof of current address

• Recent utility bill

• Lease

• Host’s letter + their proof of address

3. Proof of income

French landlords typically expect income three times the rent.

Examples accepted:

• Three recent payslips

• Employment contract

• Freelance income proof (URSSAF declarations)

• Pension statements

• Tax return

4. Proof of activity (job, studies, business)

• Work contract

• Student certificate

• SIRET registration if you’re self-employed

5. French bank details

A RIB is almost always required.

6. Guarantor documents

If your income isn’t high or stable enough, you’ll need a guarantor.
They must also provide a dossier.

What Landlords Cannot Ask For (Important)

Even though you need many documents, French law prohibits landlords from requesting:

• bank statements showing your transactions

• criminal records

• social security numbers

• medical information

• marriage certificates

If asked, you are allowed to refuse.

If You Don’t Have a French Income Yet

This is the most common issue for newcomers.

Options include:

• a guarantor (family member or friend)

• a guarantor service (Visale, GarantMe, Unkle)

• showing significant savings

• a strong employment contract for an upcoming job

Many expats get rejected simply because they didn’t know these solutions exist.

Why the Dossier Matters Beyond Renting

The “dossier culture” appears throughout French life, even if you’ve never encountered it before.

You’ll need similar document packs for:

• job applications

• university programs

• student housing

• guarantor applications

• visa and residency procedures

• certain bank accounts

Understanding the dossier early makes everything else in France easier.

How to Prepare a Dossier That Works

1. Create a single, organised PDF

2. Make sure all scans are clear

3. Use English translations if necessary

4. Include only documents landlords can legally request

5. Add a simple cover page with your name and contact info

A clean, organised dossier gives you a major advantage over other applicants.

Conclusion

Most English speakers looking for an apartment in France don’t realise they need a dossier — or what it contains — until they start getting rejected.
Once you understand the system, renting becomes much easier.

FranceForms provides clear, ready-made dossier templates and checklists designed specifically for expats who are navigating the French rental system for the first time.