Self-entrepreneur rental file: our advice, tips and tricks

Renting accommodation as an auto-entrepreneur? Many freelancers complain that the French real estate market is primarily geared towards employees with permanent contracts. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks to make your life easier.

Let's dare to ask: has the French rental system run its course? Possibly. On the one hand, everything is increasingly designed to reassure landlords through tenants with permanent contracts. On the other hand, by choice or necessity, more and more workers are opting for auto-entrepreneur status.

This is all the more alarming when you're applying to move to cities like Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux. In such metropolises, affordable, decent housing is snapped up like hotcakes. As a result, it's not uncommon to come up against the problem of the abusive landlord, who, at a glance at the file, crushes the hopes of the freelancer or craftsman.

Colonies' coliving solutions are based on a simple observation: no, it doesn't have to be this way. When you have an income and work freelance, finding somewhere to live doesn't have to be an obstacle course.

With this in mind, we've put together the following article. As you read it, you'll discover everything you need to know about setting up your freelance auto-entrepreneur rental application.

Renting an apartment as a self-employed worker: yes, it's possible. We explain how

To increase your chances of finding an apartment as a self-employed worker, it's best to follow a few tips. First, make sure you have a complete file. Then, choose your type of landlord: real estate agency or private individual? You can run a simulation with the CAF to get the answer to this question: are you eligible for housing benefit? Finally, you need to answer this other question, which is not as trivial as it may seem: do you want to live alone or with a flatmate?

Auto-entrepreneur report: building up a good file

To rent a property as a micro-entrepreneur, the first piece of advice is the same as for any other tenant: you need to put together a complete file, so as to prove your solvency. To make the process easier, don't wait until the last minute! A good dossier is one of the most important formalities in your apartment search.

But what should this rental file contain? If you're a French national, you'll need to include your identity card (both sides) or passport. If you're a foreigner, you'll need your passport or residence permit.

If you're an auto-entrepreneur, don't forget to include your last tax assessment, your last three declarations of turnover, and the certificate attesting to the start of your business. Last but not least, proof of payment of your last rent may also be useful.

What about your guarantor? Include the same supporting documents, adding a property tax notice where applicable, and a handwritten letter stating on your honor that your guarantor will stand surety for you.

Self-entrepreneur and rental management: what type of landlord?

Let's turn now to the thorny question of the landlord. As an auto-entrepreneur, is it better to opt for an estate agency or a private landlord? Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Generally speaking, the "estate agency" solution is the most common. Why is this? Because there are more advertisements. But also because the agency provides certain guarantees to its tenants.

The agency acts as a link between the tenant and the landlord. If anything goes wrong, such as breakdowns or repairs, the agency helps you to know your rights. But agencies also charge exorbitant application fees, and what's worse: some don't accept freelance workers.

As a micro-entrepreneur, it's quite possible that a private landlord will be more suitable for you, as they may be less fussy about the paperwork involved. If you don't earn enough money, a good guarantor may be enough. What's more, you'll have a direct relationship with him. This last advantage can be double-edged, depending on the character of the landlord in question.

Housing assistance for self-entrepreneurs: how do I go about it?

Is it possible to receive housing assistance if you're an auto-entrepreneur? Of course. To find out if you are entitled to APL (Aide Pour le Logement), we recommend you carry out a free, anonymous simulation on the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) website.

To get an idea of how much you'll receive, simply answer a few questions. What criteria are taken into account? The amount of your income, but also the geographical area in which you wish to move. In some "priority" areas, the amount of this allowance is higher than in others.

Before making your simulation or actual application, you'll need to provide certain documents. The CAF will ask for your first name, surname and date of birth. As an auto-entrepreneur, you'll need to provide either an extract from your K-Bis or your URSSAF registration certificate.

In the absence of a positive response, you should know that apart from the APL, there are other formulas available to help workers pay their rent. These include Loca-Pass and Action Logement (sometimes referred to as "1% Logement"), about which you should not hesitate to ask.

Self-employed, how to justify your income: why not share a flat?

There are many reasons why sharing a flat is a popular option. Some people opt for this lifestyle for economic reasons. Some self-employed entrepreneurs are among them, since not everyone is rolling in money. But others choose to share their daily lives.

Whatever your situation, Colonies' coliving solutions have been designed as an alternative to traditional shared accommodation. By renting with us, you'll enjoy all the advantages of a shared apartment, while benefiting from a space where you can develop your private life.

Do you want to live in the center of a metropolis? Colocation and coliving are good options. You'll be able to enjoy a larger, more convivial space with more than one room. In any case, your rent will be considerably lower. But how does finding a flat share work when you're a self-employed entrepreneur?

First of all, you need to know that, by law, the contract for a shared flat can be either joint or individual. Don't overlook the importance of getting along with your future flatmates. They're not just neighbors: it's better to meet and talk beforehand, to find out if you've got the right chemistry.

If you're looking for a place in an existing shared apartment, don't hesitate to ask around, or look at the classified ads on student websites, for example. The advantage of starting a new shared flat? You can choose all the people you want to live with.