How to prepare your apartment rental application?

Finding a suitable rental property is first and foremost a long process of research and visits. But once that's done, there's still one crucial stage: putting together the rental file. So what supporting documents do you need to provide the landlord, and how can you make the most of your chances?

Documents to be provided by the tenant

Before signing the lease, the landlord has the right to request certain documents from the future tenant, as well as from his guarantor. Of course, the list of these documents is defined by law.

Mandatory documents

For a complete application, the tenant must provide the following documents:

• a valid identity document (identity card, passport, driving license, residence permit or resident permit);

• the last three pay slips for employees and the last two balance sheets for self-employed people;

• proof of address (last 3 rent receipts for the property occupied, or a certificate from the previous landlord stating that the tenant is up to date with rent payments).

It is possible to present a copy of these documents. However, the landlord may ask you to produce the originals. If someone else is acting as guarantor for the tenant, the same documents will be required.

Optional documents

For those in employment, a contract of employment or a certificate of employment issued by the employer, stating salary, start date and trial period.

• Copy of professional card for self-employed persons.

• For student apartment rental applications, student card or school attendance certificate for the current year;

• Last tax assessment;

• Photocopy of property tax or local taxes if the guarantor is a property owner.

Documents that cannot be requested from the tenant

Apart from the supporting documents listed above, the landlord is not entitled to request other personal documents such as :

• medical records or blood tests ;

• Carte Vitale ;

• an extract from the criminal record;

• bank or postal account statements;

• bank or postal account statements; bank account statement;

• social security card;

• Paypal or other codes;

• proof of no credit or Banque de France record;

• a reservation check;

• a marriage or cohabitation contract for couples.

That said, before signing the lease, the landlord has every right to inquire about the identity of the future tenants, as well as their income.

Documents to be provided by the landlord

The landlord is also required to provide a number of documents before signing the lease.

Documents to be provided to the tenant when signing the lease

If you are a landlord, you are required to present the tenant with a copy of the lease. Depending on the type of property, the lease may involve a furnished or unfurnished rental contract. It is accompanied by various documents:

• a technical diagnostic file (DDT) containing electrical, gas, asbestos and energy performance diagnostics;

• an initial inventory of fixtures;

• an information leaflet setting out the rights and obligations of the tenant and landlord, and covering the broad outlines of the lease in greater detail;

• the co-ownership regulations, with the breakdown of charges and the consent of each party;

• a certificate of insurance against rental risks and damage;

• a copy of the depreciation schedule, if one has been agreed;

• the deed of guarantee;

• an inventory with a detailed description of furniture and appliances, if the rental is furnished;

• a rental permit if the property is in poor condition.

Documents to be sent during the rental period

Once the tenant has paid the rent, the landlord is obliged to send a rent receipt. It's also a good idea to send the tenant a "call for rent", also known as a "notice of due date", to remind him that he has to pay the rent.

If service charges are paid, the previous results of the previous service charge adjustment must be provided. In addition, if the property is in a condominium, the tenant must be presented with the provisional budget.

Tips for securing a rental

Make sure your application makes the difference

As in a job interview, the most important thing is to stand out from the rest of the applicants. You're bound to be competing with a lot of other people, which is why it's so important to make sure your rental application stands out. To attract the landlord's attention, you can play on originality while presenting a complete file.

From spelling to presentation, nothing should be left to chance. To give yourself the best chance of success, you can also write a cover letter to include with your application. If you've never done this before, remember that it's the same principle as a cover letter. It should be used to introduce yourself to the landlord and explain why he or she should choose you.

Deposit and guarantor

Most landlords require tenants to have a guarantor to protect them from any unpaid rent. For those who can't find a guarantor, there are other alternatives, such as online guarantors. If the application is accepted by the online guarantor site, the future tenant will receive a guarantee certificate acting as security.

Tenants without a guarantor can also opt for a bank guarantee. In this case, all you have to do is deposit a sum equivalent to several months' rent into a dedicated account. In the event of non-payment, the landlord releases these funds by making a request to the bank.

Finally, there's the Visale guarantee option, managed by Action Logement, an organization dedicated to social and intermediary housing. If you are unable to pay your rent, the organization will take care of it for a period of 36 months. However, to benefit from the Visale guarantee, you need to meet certain criteria, such as being in a trial period, or being between 18 and 30 years old.

Colonies: a new rental solution

Company overview

Founded in 2017, Colonies was created by Alexandre Martin, François Roth and Amaury Courbon. Aware of the difficulty of finding a rental when you're young, the three co-founders wanted to remedy this.

Barely two years later, the company has become a benchmark in the real estate industry. It describes itself not only as a flexible real estate brand, but also as a lifestyle that keeps up with the times.

Colonies presents offers that suit a wide panel including students, foreigners, singles and more. Most stay with Colonies for an average of a year and a half.

For the time being, the young company has already been operating coliving residences in Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux and Berlin, as well as several houses dedicated to INSEAD students in Fontainebleau. The start-up will also be opening several new homes in the coming months, notably in Villejuif, Créteil, St Maurice Pellevoisin, Lille and Marseille.

The advantages of renting with Colonies

Colonies is a rental solution designed to help young working people in a variety of ways. It puts them at the heart of its experience and makes them feel right at home. Tenants are entitled to a beautiful, modern studio that's perfectly appointed. Double bed, desk area, kitchenette, bathroom and storage space are all provided.

Fully furnished, these studios open onto a spacious lounge area where residents can relax and unwind. You'll also find other communal areas such as a gym, garden, co-working space, etc.

If you really want to try out this new way of life, Colonies is the ideal rental choice for you!