Preparing your search - an important step in finding accommodation!

Finding accommodation requires preparation! You need to research market prices, understand the wording in ads, and find out which neighborhoods are closest to your campus...

TIPS BEFORE MOVING

1. Assess your budget, take into account any aid available and remember the various charges, such as water, electricity, heating and housing tax.

2. Choose the location of your accommodation based on your place of study, and transport options.

3. Visit the accommodation, and pay close attention to details!

4. After the visit, the owner or agency will put together a file with the various supporting documents. Some items cannot be requested, such as photo ID or a social security card. Leases can only be refused for legitimate reasons (lack of guarantor, for example).

Reasons are deemed illegal if they are linked to origins, family name, physical appearance, sex, health or disabilities.

Associations exist where you can find out more.

FINDING ADEQUATE HOUSING

When accommodation is rented out, it must meet a certain number of criteria corresponding to the decree on adequate housing of 30 January 2002.

To help you better find your way around, the Association Départementale d'Information sur le Logement, adil38, provides information on tenant rights and will guide you towards the contacts you need. The ADIL is also responsible for reporting inadequate accommodation in the city.

See the ADIL's guide to adequate housing.