Private accommodation

Finding accommodation in the private rental market—whether furnished or unfurnished—can be challenging, particularly in Lyon, where the rental market is extremely tight. It is highly recommended to start your search well in advance, especially during peak demand periods (August to November).

It is strongly advised to prepare a complete rental application file before you start viewing properties and, if necessary, to secure a guarantee suited to your situation.

Make sure your rental application file is ready when you go to viewings. Depending on the agency or landlord, it may be requested during the viewing or immediately afterwards.

If you want to find an apartment in the private sector, you either have to visit a real estate agency or go through listing websites.

 
Real estate agencies

Many real estate agencies offer rental properties in Lyon and the surrounding metropolitan area.

If you wish to live in a specific neighborhood in Lyon or another city, do not hesitate to visit the agencies in that area.

Listing websites

Espace Ulys has an accommodation platform on which you can contact landlords directly. To access it, register for our services.

You will find listings from private landlords or real estate agencies. The main websites are:

• https://www.seloger.com/
• https://www.leboncoin.fr/
• https://www.paruvendu.fr/immobilier/

Certain websites specialize in shared accommodation: https://www.lacartedescolocs.fr/

Advice:

• Important, never transfer money to visit or reserve apartments, anyone who asks you to do so is most likely a scammer
• Beware of prices that are below market rates, as this can sometimes conceal a problem.
• Do not transfer money before visiting the apartment and signing the rental agreement.
• Consider extending your search to neighboring towns (East of Lyon: Villeurbanne, Bron, Vénissieux, Saint Priest, etc. - West: Oullins, Ecully, Tassin, etc.)
• You can also find private accommodation listings on your campus

In France, it is common for landlords or real estate agencies to require a guarantor for your rental property.
A guarantor is a person who agrees to pay your rent if you fail to do so. It can also be a company with which you have a contract.
All real estate agencies accept individual guarantors residing in France, while some accept insurance-based guarantees.
 

VISALE guarantee

Visale is a free public service which acts as a guarantor for students and researchers who are under the age of 31 at the time of applying.
This is accepted by all student residences, the CROUS, but rarely by real estate agencies.

GarantMe

GarantMe is a company that acts as your guarantor through an insurance policy. Some agencies accept this. You must ensure beforehand that this guarantee will be accepted by the agency before paying for the guarantor insurance policy.

Unpaid Rent Guarantee

Some apartments are covered by unpaid rent insurance. This is a policy taken out by the landlord to guarantee the receipt of rent, even in the event of non-payment.
The trade-off involves stricter selection criteria that prospective tenants must often meet:

• Having an employment status and income deemed sufficiently stable by the insurer
• Earning a salary at least three times the amount of the rent

A rental application package is essential for securing your dream apartment in Lyon. While some documents are the same across agencies, it is always a good idea to ask the agency or landlord for the list of required documents.
Generally, you need to prepare:

• A copy of your passport. If possible, a copy of our residence permit.
• A copy of your employment contract in France or a scholarship certificate. If you have been working for several months in France, your last three pay slips.
• A document showing the amount of rent you previously paid (even if abroad), or proving the value of your property if you are a homeowner abroad.
• A copy of your last tax return (even if abroad).
• Your guarantor file:
  • If you have a physical guarantor, documents similar to your own file (identity document, three latest wage slips, last tax return). Important, your guarantor may have to be present when you sign the rental agreement. If you have a Visale or Garantme guarantor, your guarantor certificate. 

When visiting apartments, always take a rental application with you to submit during your visit if you are interested in renting the apartment. Some agencies prefer you to send the documents by email or via their website. In this case, submit the documents promptly after your visit.