Every year, we help hundreds of international students, including many from France, find their ideal apartment in Bucharest. One of the first things they notice is how different the rental process is compared to France.

If you’ve rented an apartment in France before and you’re planning to move to Romania for Erasmus, an internship, or work, this guide will help you understand the main differences between the two rental systems.

1. Rental application

Renting an Apartment in France

In France, renting an apartment usually begins with preparing a rental application file (dossier de location). Landlords and agencies may ask for several documents to verify your identity, employment or student status, and financial situation.

Depending on the property and the landlord, the application file may include:

  • A valid ID card or passport
  • Proof of your current address
  • Proof of employment or student status
  • Proof of income (usually your last three payslips)
  • Your latest tax notice (avis d’imposition)
  • A guarantor (caution) or a rental guarantee, such as Visale, if requested by the landlord

If a guarantor is required, they will usually need to provide their own supporting documents, including proof of identity and proof of income.

In cities with high rental demand, such as Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux, landlords often receive multiple applications for the same property and choose the tenant who offers the strongest financial guarantees.

For this reason, it is generally recommended to have your rental application file ready before you start viewing apartments, as desirable properties can be rented very quickly.

Renting an Apartment in Romania

In general, the rental process in Romania is simpler and involves less paperwork than in many other European countries. Requirements may vary depending on the landlord or agency, but the documentation requested is usually less extensive than in France.

At Bucharest Appartements, our goal is to make the entire rental process as simple and stress-free as possible for international students and expats.

Unlike the process commonly found in France, there is no need to prepare a complete rental application before you start your search. In most cases, the process begins with a property viewing (either in person or online), and the required documents are requested only after you decide to rent the apartment.

To prepare your rental agreement, we usually ask for:

  • A valid ID card or passport
  • Proof of your student or employment status (such as an employment contract, student certificate, or even your university acceptance email)
  • Your email address and phone number

If you’re still outside Romania, we can arrange an online viewing, provide you with all the information you need, answer your questions before signing the contract, and guide you through every step of the process, allowing you to secure your apartment before arriving in Bucharest.

2. Guarantor

France

For many students and young tenants, finding a guarantor is one of the biggest challenges when renting an apartment in France.

Although having a guarantor is not a legal requirement for every rental, many landlords and agencies ask for one, especially if the tenant is a student or cannot demonstrate sufficient income.

If you don’t have a guarantor, there are alternatives such as Visale, a free government-backed rental guarantee scheme, or private guarantee services. However, applying for these guarantees and completing the required documentation can add extra steps to the rental process.

Romania

In Romania, requesting a guarantor is not a common practice in the residential rental market. Unlike France, landlords generally rely on the rental agreement and the security deposit paid when signing the contract, without requiring a guarantor.

At Bucharest Appartements, we do not require a guarantor to rent one of our apartments. Instead, we verify the tenant’s identity and their student or employment status, then take care of all the necessary steps to prepare the rental agreement and secure the apartment.

3. Tenant insurance

France

In France, tenants renting a property as their main residence are generally required to take out home insurance (assurance habitation) before moving in. The landlord may ask for proof of this insurance when the keys are handed over and may request updated proof each year thereafter.

Romania

In Romania, property owners are legally required to have a mandatory PAD insurance policy (Natural Disaster Insurance Pool), which covers only natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. If they wish, owners can also purchase optional home insurance that provides broader coverage, but this is not mandatory.

At Bucharest Appartements, tenants are not required to take out home insurance before moving in. Unlike in France, this is not part of the standard rental process in Romania, making the renting experience simpler and faster.

4. Utility contracts

France

In France, for most long-term rentals, tenants sign their electricity and gas contracts directly with the utility providers, and these contracts are registered in their own name. Depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, other utilities, such as water, may be managed differently or included in the building’s service charges.

Romania

In Romania, utility contracts such as electricity, natural gas, water, and district heating generally remain in the landlord’s name. Tenants simply pay for their consumption based on the utility bills, without having to transfer the contracts into their own name.

The only contract that is commonly registered in the tenant’s name is the internet service. If they want their own internet connection, tenants can sign a contract directly with an internet service provider.

5. Rental contract

France

In France, rental agreements are generally drafted in French. For international students who do not speak the language, understanding all the terms and conditions can be challenging, and landlords or agencies are not required to provide a translated version.

Romania

In Romania, rental agreements are generally drafted in Romanian, and landlords or agencies are not legally required to provide a translated version. However, it is quite common for international tenants to receive an English version as well.

At Bucharest Appartements, we provide bilingual rental agreements in Romanian–English or Romanian–French, ensuring that every tenant can fully understand the terms and conditions before signing.

6. Renting before arriving

France

In France, renting an apartment before arriving in the country can be more challenging, as many landlords and agencies prefer in-person viewings and require a complete rental application before signing the lease.

Romania

In Romania, in-person viewings are also generally preferred. However, at Bucharest Appartements, we understand that most international students and expats start looking for accommodation before arriving in Bucharest. That’s why we offer online viewings, real videos of our apartments, and all the information you need, allowing you to complete the entire rental process remotely with confidence and transparency.

Final thoughts

Both France and Romania have well-established legal frameworks for renting a property, but the process and requirements can be quite different.

If you’re planning to move to Bucharest, understanding these differences will help you avoid surprises and make your rental experience as smooth as possible.

At Bucharest Appartements, our goal is to make the entire process as easy as possible for international students and expats. From choosing the right apartment and signing the lease to check-in and ongoing support throughout your stay, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

⚠️ Important: The information presented regarding France is based on our direct experience, situations we have encountered with our clients, and information shared with us by them. It therefore reflects our practical experience and should not be considered legal advice or an exhaustive overview of French rental legislation. Rental rules and practices may vary depending on the situation and location and may change over time.