Temporary housing solution: what is the most suitable for your situation?

A business trip, a move following a new job, renovations at home... There are many reasons why you might need to seek a temporary housing solution. Here's a focus on the different options.

Definition of temporary housing solution

A clarification is essential before discussing temporary housing solutions. This type of arrangement differs from traditional rentals or stays in hotels. Temporary housing is primarily intended for individuals facing urgent situations, which may be related to professional or family difficulties.

This could apply to students or employees struggling to find suitable accommodation, women experiencing domestic violence, or young individuals in need of transitional housing solutions. Temporary housing can take the form of a hotel, a guesthouse, a serviced apartment, or other options depending on preferences and budget.

For example, we can mention several temporary housing solutions: temporary housing in Paris, temporary housing in Marseille, temporary housing in Essonne, or temporary housing solutions near France.

At Colonies, we understand the challenges faced by our clients. We accompany you from the housing search to check-out, with the ambition of continuously improving the living experience, especially in shared accommodation settings.

Emergency temporary housing

Emergency housing is intended for any person "without shelter, in a situation of medical, physical, or social distress." Anyone in this situation should have access to accommodation and benefit from shelter, food, and hygiene facilities. After an initial medical assessment, the individual is directed to the appropriate solution for their situation: a shelter, a hostel, a nursing home, etc.

Emergency temporary housing in Paris is managed by the social emergency services (SAMU social), which can be reached at the number 115. In case of unsuccessful calls to 115, it is necessary to contact the nearest town hall or organizations and associations such as the Red Cross or Emmaus for information and assistance with the necessary procedures.

Action Logement temporary housing

This involves partnerships established to provide employees with quick access to temporary housing for short-term rentals ranging from a few days to a maximum of two years.

Access conditions

• The employee must work in a private company with a minimum of 10 employees.

• They must be of legal age or emancipated minors.

• The Action Logement temporary housing is for the employee OR for a childless couple OR a single-parent family with 1 young child.

Advantages Action

• Logement temporary housing can be mobilized quickly (within a few weeks depending on the region).

• Locations are close to public transportation and employment areas.

• Short-term rentals may offer additional services depending on the partner and residences.

• Offers can be combined with other schemes based on eligibility conditions: Housing Benefit (APL), Loca-Pass Advance, Visale Guarantee, Mobili-Jeune Assistance.

Cumulative offers

• Housing Benefit (APL), a form of housing allowance.

• Loca-Pass

• Advance, assistance in advancing the amount of your deposit.

• Visale Guarantee to obtain a guarantor easily and free of charge.

• Mobili-Jeune Assistance, assistance in paying part of your rent, especially for young people.

Characteristics

Furnished accommodation, typically studio apartments of about 15/20 m². All studios are equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, and toilet. Some establishments offer communal spaces such as laundry service, laundry facilities, and communal areas.

These may include student residences, youth housing, serviced apartments, accommodations for young people, aparthotels, depending on the situation and duration of the short-term rental.

Short-term rental

A short-term rental differs from emergency temporary housing. You may be seeking a short-term rental for a few days to a maximum of two years, following renovations at your home or a business trip.

Flexible lease

For a short-term rental of a furnished apartment or an unfurnished property, you will need to sign a lease with the landlord. You will agree with them on the rent amount, duration of the rental, notice periods, and termination reasons. Rates are higher for furnished accommodations.

No lease required

However, if you wish to avoid the constraints of a lease, you can opt for seasonal rentals, mainly practiced in tourist areas. Properties are usually furnished and rented by the week, fortnight, or month.

Serviced apartment

This involves renting equipped and furnished apartments. You have furniture and equipment as if you were at home. On average, the units range from a 20 m² studio to a 60 m² four-room apartment. Serviced apartments are located closer to major urban areas than guesthouses or bed and breakfasts.

Hotel

Hotels are the most common temporary housing solution. They offer a range of rates and services, but are primarily suitable for individuals or couples without children. For this type of temporary housing, you do not have access to a kitchen or laundry facilities.

Guesthouses

Similar to bed and breakfasts, guesthouses are widespread, especially in rural areas, as are campsites. The living space is much larger than in a hotel, with diversified and comfortable amenities, while the cost is comparatively lower.

Youth Housing Residences

This solution is for young people aged 16 to 30, regardless of their status: students, trainees, employees, apprentices, etc. They sign an occupancy contract for a period ranging from a few weeks to 2 years. They pay rents called "dues" at the end of the month. Dues entitle them to Housing Benefit (APL) from the first month. Youth Housing Residences represent an important step towards independent housing, as they offer:

• a diverse range of options;

• very competitive rates;

• assistance with administrative procedures;

• support in job search techniques;

• community living with leisure activities, health information, employment information, entertainment, internet access, etc.