SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: France - page 107

When it comes to hunting for a place, you would do
well to look on the internet for English-speaking services
catering to foreigners in Paris. The Craigs List site for Paris
is always a good place to start, also check the American and
English churches in Paris. It is easier to i nd share rentals
(colocations) now than it used to be, especially if you are
young and single. ( See the box on the following page .)
Rental Laws and Tenants' Rights
Apart from commercial rental contracts, which are
handled differently, the basic regulations for housing
contracts apply, whether or not you are a French citizen.
In some cases, you may sign a one-year lease, but the
standard length is either three or six years. The tenant must
give three months' notice of quitting; the owner, six months.
Commonly, the owner will ask for some guarantees
(proof of revenues, a guarantee from a relative, etc.).
A two-month rental deposit is normal. More is illegal. Fees
and expenses of a real estate agency must be split equally
between tenant and landlord.
It is very important that a thorough, written
appraisal of the apartment or house be done before
you sign the lease and before your departure, so that
the owner cannot claim damages and keep your deposit.
This is called a 'contradictory'. Both parties or their
representatives must be present to sign.
You must ask for closing bills from the EGF (Electricité et
Gaz de France) and France Telecom and pay them, before
leaving. The landlord has the right to hold the deposit until
you can prove you have paid all the bills.
You must insure your own belongings as well as the
apartment or house against i re, water damage, etc. You
are also liable for taxes related to the apartment. A tax of
2.5 per cent of the rent must be paid monthly. A l at taxe
d'habitation must be paid by the tenant who inhabits the
apartment as of 1 January each year. That amount depends
on the size and location of the building.