How to prepare an apartment rental file?

Looking for accommodation is a bit like looking for a job. Competition is fierce, especially in dynamic cities. So it's a good idea to put together a solid file before you start looking. Follow us as we explain how to prepare the rental file that will open the doors to your future apartment!

How to boost your rental file

To give yourself the best chance of success in your apartment search, you need to prepare your rental file thoroughly. This will enable you to react quickly to visits. Ideally, you should prepare in advance all the obligatory and optional documents that can make all the difference.

Just like a job interview, an organized file will make a good impression on the owner. Make sure they don't need to ask you for additional documents.

There's also nothing to stop you finding a guarantor if your file is fragile and you're not sure you're eligible for insurance. A good apartment rental file can end up at the top of the pile if it's more than complete.

One last tip: consider scanning your file. That way, you'll be able to send it more quickly to the agency or landlord. Particularly if the landlord has taken out unpaid rent insurance, which examines files by dematerialized means.

What documents do I need to provide to rent a property?

Decree no. 2015-1437 of November 5, 2015 sets out the list of documents that the lessor or agency is entitled to request from you for a rental.

These documents mainly concern your identity and sources of income. They enable the lessor to ensure that you have sufficient resources. They also help the landlord compare rental applications for his apartment.

Specifically, the following documents may be required:

• Valid ID or passport;
• Proof of address (EDF or rent receipt, or proof of accommodation);
• Employee: the last three pay slips or a certificate from the employer specifying the job, remuneration and, where applicable, the length of the trial period;
• Self-employed: the last two balance sheets;
• Retired: proof of pension payment;
• Unemployed: certificate of payment from Pôle Emploi;
• Student: student card or school certificate;
• Last tax assessment ;
• The last three rent receipts;
• Property tax, if you own a property.

In short, you need to bring all the supporting documents you need to prove your sources of income. The file of any physical guarantor (relatives, friends, etc.) must contain the same documents.

So, for each apartment visit, remember to take originals and copies of each document, so that you can leave a copy of your complete rental file in person.

What documents are prohibited when renting?

On the other hand, certain documents cannot be requested by the landlord or an agency. These include, in particular, documents relating to private life and not connected with the rental:

• Photocopy of Carte VITALE ;
• Bank documents: photocopy of account statements, certificate that the bank account is in good order, certificate of no credit;
• Direct debit authorization;
• Marriage contract or cohabitation certificate;
• Personal medical file;
• Police record;
• More than 2 balance sheets if self-employed;
• A passport photo;
• Proof of employment, unless you can't provide a work contract or pay slips;
• A rental certificate from your previous landlord, unless you don't have the rent receipts.

Please note that it is also forbidden to hand over a cash mandate or a reservation cheque when you submit a rental application for the property in question. Remember, you only pay when you sign the lease, not before!

Finding a guarantor for your rental

As you know, landlords want to protect themselves against unpaid rent and secure their tenancy as much as possible. So they either take out unpaid rent insurance, or ask for a guarantor.

As a reminder, a guarantor stands surety for you in the event of non-payment of rent and service charges, as well as in the event of damage to the property. In short, it's a major responsibility, and one that can put off many a guarantor.

Nevertheless, there are alternative solutions:

• Bank guarantee: in practice, you have to deposit several months' rent in a blocked account. In the event of non-payment, the bank pays the rent to the landlord. Note that this solution is rarely used, and few banks offer this service;
• An online guarantor: it is now possible to find a company to act as guarantor for you. Take Garantme, for example! Ideal for profiles excluded from unpaid rent insurance, such as temporary workers, students, people on fixed-term contracts... or for people who simply don't have a physical guarantor. Once your application has been accepted, you'll receive a certificate of eligibility proving that you have a guarantor. This ensures that the landlord has a solid and secure rental file to hand over the keys to your property!