Rental Dossier in Paris: Complete Guide for International Students (2026)

Introduction

Finding student accommodation in Paris can be challenging — especially if you’re an international student unfamiliar with the French rental system.
One thing is absolutely essential: a strong rental dossier.
In this article we tell you how to build the perfect rental dossier in Paris, step by step, to help you rent an apartment in Paris as a student without stress.

What is a rental dossier in Paris?

A rental dossier is a collection of documents that landlords require before renting out an apartment.
In Paris, demand is extremely high, so landlords often choose the first complete and well-prepared dossier they receive.
A good rental dossier proves you are a serious tenant, speeds up the rental process and increases your chances of getting accepted.

Required documents for a rental dossier in Paris

Passport or ID

You’ll need a valid passport or national ID and your French visa, if you already have it.

Proof of enrollment

This document shows why you are in France and how long you will stay. Accepted documents include a university acceptance letter, an enrollment certificate or an admission confirmation.

Proof of income or guarantor (VERY important)

In France, landlords usually require an income equal to 3 times the rent or a french guarantor. You will need to provide payslips, a work contract or bank statements.
If you don’t know anyone in France who can guarantee you, don’t worry because it is the case for most international students. Many international students use Cautionneo, a private guarantor service. Bonus: with the code ERASMUS-PLAY, you get one month free.

Bank details (RIB)

If you already have a French bank account, include your RIB. If not, don’t worry — this is common for international students. You can explain it later.

Student card

If you already have you student card you can include it in the dossier. If not, a proof of enrollment will be just fine.

Optional documents that improve your chances

These are not mandatory, but they can make your rental dossier stand out in Paris:

• Motivation letter explaining who you are,
• Recommendation letter from a previous landlord,
• Proof of previous rent payments.

How to organize your rental dossier

A clean dossier = faster answers. To look professional you should:

• Combine all documents into one PDF,
• Name files clearly,
• Add a simple cover page,
• Keep the file under 10 MB.

Common mistakes international students make

Avoid these errors when renting in Paris:

• incomplete rental dossier,
• missing guarantor documents,
• blurry or unreadable files,
• applying too late,
• booking on unverified platforms.

Final tips

Building a rental dossier in Paris as an international student takes preparation — but once it’s ready, everything becomes much easier.
Start early, stay organized, and use trusted platforms. At Erasmus Play, we help international students find verified student accommodation in Paris.
Perfect if you’re renting from abroad.
Good luck with your move to Paris!