Accommodation - Bordeaux Montaigne University v1.2

Accommodation

Bordeaux Montaigne University created a guide to housing to help you find an accommodation in Bordeaux, especially dedicated to international students.

You can also check these other useful links:

  1. The attractiveness and development of Bordeaux and its metropolitan area have resulted in a tight property market for several years, with strong pressure on student accommodation. We strongly advise you to anticipate your search for accommodation before the start of the academic year to avoid this turning into a difficult process.

    A platform to help you find an accommodation

    In order to facilitate the search for accommodation, Bordeaux Montaigne University provides students and landlords with an online accommodation platform.

    In partnership with Studapart, you can access hundreds of exclusive offers for periods of 1 to 24 months near your campus but also throughout France during your search for internship: studios, flatshares, rooms in private homes, etc.

    Access the Studapart platform 

    Benefit from a personalized support throughout your rental
    From the rental file to the reservation of the accommodation, all the steps are done online. The rental file is simplified and in a 100% digital format. You can also benefit from services after your reservation, such as home insurance.

    You don't have a guarantor living in France?
    Thanks to the Studapart Guarantee option, Studapart is your guarantor for the whole duration of your rental. In order to be eligible, all you have to do is submit your ID and proof of admission on the platform.

    A multilingual team awaits you at booking@studapart.com (booking @ studapart.com). Check the Studapart 2023-2024 guide.

  2. The guarantor (garant)

    Your guarantor is the person who undertakes to pay your rent if you can no longer afford to do so. In France, a guarantor is almost always required of people wishing to rent a flat, whether they are foreign or French. The guarantor is usually a solvent person living in France.

    The security deposit (caution)

    A security deposit is to be payed at the moment of the signature of the lease. It represents the payment of one month's rent, excluding charges.

    The inventory of fixtures (état des lieux)

    The inventory of fixtures is a mandatory document. It describes the accommodation room by room, including the equipment and the annexes (parking, cellar, storeroom, garage). It is drawn up upon entering and leaving the property.

  3. As a tenant, you are liable for any damage caused to the accommodation during the term of the lease. For this reason, and in order to protect you against the financial consequences of damage caused by you or a third party, French law requires you to take out home insurance.

    You must produce an insurance certificate:

    • before signing a lease (then every year);
    • whether you are living in privately rented accommodation or a university residence managed by a CROUS.

    The landlord is entitled to ask for a copy of the home insurance certificate for your student accommodation on the day of the inventory of fixtures. If you do not have insurance, the landlord may terminate your rental contract or take out insurance on your behalf.

    What insurance coverage will I have?

    When you take out a home insurance policy, you will be insured at least for 'rental risks' (risques locatifs). This guarantee covers damage to the dwelling/building (damage resulting from fire, explosion or water damage).

    However, it is often more interesting to take out "comprehensive" insurance (assurance multirisques). This type of insurance, which can be tailored to your needs, will also cover your property (computer equipment, household appliances, etc.), as well as any damage you may unintentionally cause to others (civil liability or responsabilité civile).

    It is not compulsory to take out an insurance policy for furnished "tourist" accommodation (i.e. if you are staying there for less than 90 days during the year). However, it is recommended that you cover your liability towards the landlord (civil liability).

    Apartment-sharing: who insures the accommodation?

    At least one of the flatmates must be insured for rental risks. The subscriber will then only have to designate his or her flatmates by name in the contract so that they can benefit from the same guarantees. It is nevertheless important that each flatmate is insured for civil liability.

    Which insurance should you choose?

    You can take out a home insurance policy with a bank or insurance company, which offer policies specially designed for students.

    The cost of home insurance varies significantly. Feel free to make a simulation with different insurance companies before committing yourself. You can do this online at: lelynx.fr, lecomparateurassurance, selectra.info.

  4. Some advice
    • Do not wait until you are in France to look for accomodation
    • Demand a lease and an inventory (état des lieux) when you move into a flat
    • Outside Studapart, never send money to book an accomodation
    • Set aside an appropriate budget for the first month in order to cover set-up costs
    • Attend the viewings with a ready to go rental file (dossier locatif)
    Tips  

    Have you found an offer that interests you? Before going to the visit, you can prepare the questions you will ask: 

    • What is the surface of the accommodation? 
    • Is it furnished? 
    • When is it available? 
    • Is it close to the city centre? to transport? to supermarkets?
    • What are the charges ? Please note: The words "all inclusive" do not always include electricity, water or heating…
    • How much is the security deposit ? How much are the agency fees ? Are there any other fees? 

    Questions the landlord may ask you: 

    • Are you a student? an employee?
    • What are your financial resources? 
    • Do you have a guarantor? What is their situation?

    Documents the landlord is allowed to request from you:

    • Proof of identity: copies of passport, residence permit, identity card, etc. 
    • Proof of status: student card and/or work contract
    • Poof of address: copy of rent receipt, accommodation certificate 
    • Proof of income: tax notice or salary slip 
    • Caf allocation estimate 

    Documents the landlord is NOT allowed to request from you:

    • Certificate of absence of debt 
    • Copy of your bank statement 
    • Extract from your criminal record 
    • Medical file 
    • A reservation cheque
    Student housing aid

    In France, most students are eligible for housing financial assistance.

    Your rent can be reduced by receiving assistance from the Caisse d'Allocation Familiale (CAF) of your place of residence. This aid varies depending on the type of accommodation you are going to stay in, the amount of rent you pay and your income.

    Go to the CAF website to make an online estimate.

     

    1. Send your notice of departure in accordance with the conditions set out in your lease
    2. Cancel your home insurance
    3. Draw up an inventory of fixtures with the agency, owner or landlord
    4. Read the energy meters (water/gas/electricity) and terminate your contracts with the suppliers
    5. Request the termination, opening or transfer of your phone and internet line
    6. Remove your name from the mailbox
    7. Notify the administration about your change of address: CAF, bank, health insurance, employer...
    8. Request a change of address on your identity card or residence permit

    Do you wish to donate some small furniture or a bicycle? Etu'Recup aims to give a second life to objects in good condition (furniture, household appliances, clothes, etc.) that are no longer of use to their owners.

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