Welcome to Paris an unofficial guide by Malcom

Here’s a comprehensive guide to flat hunting, gathered from various sources. A quick note: Most of this is geared towards finding a flat on your own. Steer clear of Hestia.fr – tales of woe often originate there. Assemble your ‘dossier’ right away, including copies of your present employment contract, the last 3 pay slips, 3 rent receipts (or your 1-year mortgage statement from the UK, like in my case), utility bills, birth certificate (optional), passport, RIB (bank details), and last year’s tax statement. It’s like a competition – the fullest dossier wins the flat.

Sorting out a guarantor is crucial due to French tenant law. Landlords protect themselves in Paris by demanding a guarantor, usually a parent, on the French social security system. Foreigners might look to French friends, but it carries a stigma. Company guarantee is an option too.

For flat hunting, check out sites like www.acheter-louer.fr, www.locat.fr, and www.pap.fr (Des Particuliers a Particuliers). To share, try www.coloc.fr or www.bonjour.fr.

Navigating Paris? Use www.maporama.com or www.mappy.fr.

Understanding classifieds? Check [www.paris-anglo.com/housing/guide/housing_word.html].

For furniture, check www.ikea.fr and www.conforama.fr.

Important notes: You pay the flat insurance; the difference between furnished and unfurnished rent is significant; notice periods and deposits vary; you pay all agency fees; unfurnished contracts are usually for 3 years, and furnished for 1 year; you can escape the contract without penalty if you leave the country.

If you’re not fluent in French, use Babel fishbabelfish to translate. For eating and drinking spots, try www.parispubs.com or www.theauldalliance.com.

Get used to Arrondissement numbers. The 1st is the center, winding out in a spiral to the 20th. Good areas include the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 15th. Consider buying; loan rates are reasonable, and purchasing is cheaper than renting.

Keep in mind, even after finding a place, paperwork takes at least 3 months to sort out. Happy flat hunting!