Avoid Scams & Illegal Sublets in France: What International Students Must Know

Moving to France to study is an exciting adventure, but securing safe and legal accommodation can be a challenge. Unfortunately, international students are often targets for rental scams and illegal subletting schemes. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for a smooth and successful start to your life abroad. This guide provides essential, practical information to help you navigate the French rental market safely.

1) Why This Matters for International Students

As an international student, you are particularly vulnerable when seeking accommodation in France. Scammers target those who are moving from a distance, lack local knowledge, and are under pressure to find a place quickly. Falling victim to a rental scam or illegal sublet can result in significant financial loss, immigration issues, and, most importantly, being left without a place to live.

Protecting yourself from these issues ensures your focus remains on your studies and enjoying the cultural experience France offers. It also ties directly into your Documentation Support in France and visa requirements, as illegal housing situations can jeopardize your status.

2) Simple Explanation of the Concept

What is a Rental Scam?

A rental scam is a fraudulent scheme where a person pretends to be a landlord or agent to trick prospective tenants into sending money (like a deposit or first month’s rent) for an apartment that either doesn’t exist, is already rented, or is not available to them. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears.

What is an Illegal Sublet?

Subletting is when a tenant rents out their apartment (or a room in it) to a third party (the subtenant). In France, subletting is legal only if the primary landlord gives written consent and the rent charged to the subtenant does not exceed the rent the primary tenant pays. An “illegal sublet” occurs when the primary tenant sublets the property without the landlord’s written permission, or charges excessive rent. If discovered, the subtenant has no legal protection and can be evicted immediately, often losing all money paid.

3) Student-Specific Risks & Common Misunderstandings

Risks Unique to International Students

International students often face specific vulnerabilities:

1. Lack of Physical Presence: Students often search and attempt to secure housing remotely, making them susceptible to “ghost listings” where the property is never shown in person.
2. Language Barrier: While many French people speak English, most official documents, leases, and local terms are in French, which can hide critical details about a contract’s legality.
3. Urgency: The need to secure housing before the start of term puts pressure on students, making them more likely to overlook red flags.

Common Misunderstandings About Subletting in France

• Myth: Subletting is always illegal in Paris and other big cities.
• Reality: Subletting is legal if the landlord consents in writing and the subrent is not higher than the original rent. Short-term rentals of a primary residence in major cities like Paris are generally limited to 120 days a year, which can impact subletting terms.

• Myth: As long as I have a written agreement with the main tenant, I’m safe.
• Reality: If the main tenant did not get explicit, written consent from the landlord, your agreement is invalid in the eyes of French law, and you are subject to immediate eviction.

4) Practical Examples Students Face

The “Owner Abroad” Scam

A common scam involves an alleged landlord claiming to be out of the country (e.g., “I’m a doctor on assignment” or “I’m military personnel”) and therefore unable to show the apartment in person. They will request a deposit or the first month’s rent via an unusual method (like a money transfer service or cryptocurrency) to “secure the keys” or “prove solvency” before sending them to you. This is almost always a scam. A legitimate landlord or agency will always arrange a viewing or use a reliable local intermediary.

The Too-Good-To-Be-True Price

You find an incredibly low-priced apartment in a prime location like central Paris or Lyon. Scammers use underpriced listings to attract a flood of desperate applicants quickly. The goal is to collect security deposits from multiple students before anyone realizes the apartment is fake or non-existent. Always research the average rental prices in the neighborhood you are targeting.

For guidance on finding legitimate housing options, see our guide on Accommodation in France for International Students.

The False Lease or Deposit Demand

Some scammers may show you a real apartment (which they briefly gain access to) and then rush you to sign a fake lease and pay a deposit. Sometimes, they ask for two security deposits—one for them and one for the “real landlord.” Remember, French law limits the security deposit to a maximum of one month’s rent for unfurnished properties and two months’ rent for furnished properties.

5) Prevention Checklist (What to Verify, What to Avoid)

What to Verify

1. Verify Identity and Ownership: Ask to see the landlord’s photo ID (passport or national ID) and ask for a copy of the taxe foncière (property tax statement) or titre de propriété (proof of ownership). A real owner will comply.
2. Insist on a Physical Visit: Never sign a lease or send money without visiting the property yourself or sending a trusted proxy (like a relocation agent or school representative).
3. Check the Rent Cap (if applicable): In highly regulated cities like Paris, verify the rent against local reference indexes (encadrement des loyers) to ensure the price is legal.
4. Ensure Landlord Consent for Sublets: If subletting, demand to see the original lease (bail) and the landlord’s explicit, written permission allowing the primary tenant to sublet to you.
5. Confirm the Lease Type: Ensure the lease provided is a standard French residential lease (bail de location), not a short-term holiday lease.

What to Avoid

1. Avoid Immediate Remote Payments: Never send money via unconventional methods (Western Union, PayPal Friends & Family, Bitcoin, or prepaid cards). Always use a bank transfer to an account under the landlord’s or agency’s name, and only after the lease is signed and keys are exchanged.
2. Avoid Missing or Poor Documentation: Be wary if the photos look too professional, generic, or if the listing description is poorly written or translated. Use reverse image search (like Google Images) to see if the photos appear in other countries as part of a different scam.
3. Avoid Excessive Demands for Documents: While landlords require extensive documents, be cautious if they request sensitive financial details not normally needed, or if they ask for payment immediately upon submission of your application, regardless of whether you’ve been approved.

If you need comprehensive support for your move, including finding verified and legal accommodation, consider utilizing professional Student Relocation Support in France.

6) How Luxe Settle Helps

Luxe Settle specializes in helping international students secure legitimate, safe housing and navigate the complexities of documentation in Europe. Our service acts as your local representative, verifying properties, confirming landlord legitimacy, and ensuring all contracts comply with French law—eliminating the risk of rental scams and illegal sublets. We ensure that you have the correct documentation for a stress-free arrival.

We provide verified accommodation options and clear guidance on the entire rental process, protecting your finances and giving you peace of mind.

7) FAQs

• Is paying a cash deposit safe?

While cash is common in France for small transactions, paying a large deposit (dépôt de garantie) in cash is risky. It is safer to pay via bank transfer to ensure you have a traceable, legal record of the transaction.

• How can I verify if a rental agency is real?

Legitimate real estate agencies in France (agences immobilières) must hold a professional license, known as the Carte T. You can ask for their registration number and verify it on the local prefecture’s database.

• Can a landlord legally ask for my bank details before signing the lease?

A legitimate landlord will ask for proof of solvency as part of your application (like bank statements or proof of funds), but they should not request the first month’s rent or security deposit until you have physically signed the lease agreement.

• What is the maximum security deposit in France?

The maximum deposit is one month’s rent for an unfurnished property and two months’ rent for a furnished property (excluding charges).

• I sent money to a scammer. What should I do first?

Immediately contact your bank to report the fraudulent transaction and try to stop the payment. File a police report (plainte) in France and notify the platform where you found the listing.

• Does a “holiday rental” count as legal student accommodation?

No. Standard student residency requires a long-term rental agreement (usually 1 year, renewable) or official student housing. Holiday rentals (like short-term Airbnb stays) generally do not qualify as proof of address for official documentation support.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. For detailed guidance specific to your situation, consult with a qualified legal professional in France.

Need verified housing and reliable support to get started in France? Don’t risk your move with unverified housing. Let Luxe Settle handle the heavy lifting and ensure you arrive safely and legally.

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