How do you rent an apartment when you're unemployed?
In Paris, finding housing when you're unemployed can be a real obstacle course. Landlords willing to rent apartment to an unemployed person are rare, simply because they want to protect themselves against unpaid rent. So how can you rent an apartment if you're unemployed? What are the solutions to reassure landlords and inspire their confidence?
Finding an apartment when you're unemployed: be patient!
You'll be hard pressed to find an apartment apartment that accepts unemploymentbut it's not impossible! Bear in mind that looking for an apartment isn't all that different from looking for a job. You'll need to demonstrate the same qualities and observe the same principles.
First, be responsive. Respond quickly to offers that interest you. Secondly, be enthusiastic. If you're offered the chance to view an apartment, accept immediately, even if the deadline seems very short. If you're unemployed, you'll probably be able to get ahead of your competitors, who may have to wait until the weekend or a vacation. Before, during and after the visit, don't hesitate to ask questions to show your interest in the rental property. Finally, as when applying for a job, show yourself at your best: friendly, smiling, confident, responsible and reliable. Take care with your rental application. Don't hesitate to tell the landlord about your career plans, to show that you have no intention of remaining unemployed for the duration of the lease.
To find an apartment while unemployedIf you're unemployed, it can be useful to use your network. Talk to people about your search and ask the right questions. If a friend of a friend is moving, ask if he's looking for someone to replace him. Has a vacancy opened up in an acquaintance's flat? Ask them to give you the landlord's contact details, so you'll be the first to show interest.
Above all, be patient. If you've already been turned down several times, don't be discouraged. Remember that with each visit, you've learned more about how to present yourself and what questions to ask. If you're sincere, honest, friendly and enthusiastic, there's no reason why you can't find the apartment of your dreams!
Apartment rental and unemployment: what are the solutions?
Have you found an apartment that meets your criteria, fits your budget and is ideally located? If you're looking to rent apartment without a CDIyou'll need to reassure the landlord about your financial situation to convince him or her to accept your application. There are several ways of doing this.
Renting an apartment on unemployment with a guarantor
Renting an apartment when you're unemployed is always easier if the landlord has proof that he'll be covered in the event of unpaid rent. The landlord will also have more confidence in you if you have a guarantor (or several guarantors). A guarantor is a natural or legal person who can pay off your debt in the event of unpaid rent. He or she can be a relative, a friend or even your bank. The guarantor must be solvent, stable and have sufficient income.
If your bank vouches for you, this is called a bank guarantee. This solution is ideal if you don't have anyone close to you to act as guarantor, but you've already saved money in your bank account. For rent an apartment on unemployment with a bank guaranteeYou'll need to deposit an amount equivalent to 1 to 3 years' rent into an interest-bearing account. In exchange, the bank undertakes to settle any outstanding rental payments. When the lease comes to an end, you can withdraw this sum from your current account.
Apply for the Visale Guarantee
If you don't have a relative who can act as guarantor and you don't have enough savings to ask for a bank guarantee, you can always ask for the Visale guarantee. This assistance is provided by Action Logement. In the event of rent arrears, Action Logement will pay the amounts due to the landlord. The tenant is obliged to repay these sums, according to a schedule adapted to his or her financial situation.
