FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Housing demand

What is the accomodation reserving process ?

To reserve accommodation:

• Choose your residence on the www.arpej.fr website
• You will then be redirected to ibail to continue your reservation
• Log in to your account or create one by filling in your title, first name, last name, password, email and phone number
• Activate your account by clicking on the link sent to you be email
• Choose the accommodation you wish then click reserve
• Fill in all the mandatory fields so that your application status switches to “new application sent and under review”
• We will get back to you as quickly as possible to let you know about your application status.

Any questions about how to prepare your application? Click here to get more information

Is it possible to live in shared accommodation?

Yes, some dwellings are available as shared accommodation. We invite you to view the details of the residence you’ve chosen to see if it proposes shared accommodation and the terms and conditions of sharing.

Can I reserve accommodation in several residences?

Yes, you may apply for several residences at the same time. If there is no room in the residence you’ve chosen, your application may be proposed to other residences close by which fit the same criteria.

Can I apply for a short stay?

Depending on the periods, ARPEJ does propose short-stay offers which can be tailored to the duration of your stay. Please request details of this from the residence you wish to stay in by sending an email to: back-office@arpej.fr

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is a natural or legal person who acts as surety for a tenant. At ARPEJ, you can use a State-recognized rental surety to make the process easier if you do not have a natural or legal surety.

What happens if my application is not complete?

As soon as your application has switched to “new application sent and under review”, if it is not complete, we will not be able to take it into account. You run the risk of not receiving any answer from us. Please fill in everything requested and attach all documents requested to be sure your application is complete.

Which documents are required to complete my application?

• For the future tenant:
• Valid national identity card or valid passport.
• Student card or, if not available, proof of enrolment
• Bank account details from a bank with a branch in France.
• If the student is from abroad:
  Valid passport or visa or residence permit
• If the student is employed:
  last 3 pay slips
• If the student does not have a guarantor:
  A certificate from VISALE or from Garant me. For more information, visit the websites.

 

• For the guarantor:
• Valid national identity card (both sides) or valid passport
• Last full income tax statement
• Bank account details from a bank with a branch in France
• If the guarantor is employed:
  last 3 pay slips
• If the guarantor is a tenant:
  Last rent receipt
• If the guarantor is a homeowner:
  Property tax statement

How much time in advance should I reserve my accommodation?

No minimum deadline exists for reserving your accommodation, but the earlier the better!

Moving into the residence

Can I change apartment if mine doesn’t suit me?

You may change apartment during your rental agreement if the reason is legitimate. The change is made based on availability.

Can I choose which apartment I want?

You are free to choose an apartment amongst those available. It goes without saying that students who complete and submit their housing application long before the start of the academic year will have much more choice.

What is an inventory?

An inventory is a process drawn up between the tenant and the residence, which describes the accommodation when you enter and when you leave. It is drafted as document in two original copies (one for the tenant and one for the residence).

If any deterioration is observed during your rental, the residence has the right to deduct the amount due for repairs from your security deposit, which you pay on arrival.

If you cannot be present for the inventory, you may empower a person to do it on your behalf; in this case, you must grant a proxy to the person concerned who must be present for the inventory and bring their ID with them.

To save time, consider doing a pre-inventory!

Life in the residence

Are any events organized in residences?

ARPEJ teams organize activities, events, workshops and much more in residences on a regular basis! Sport sessions, managing your budget workshops, as well as cookery classes for example; you can enjoy great, festive moments together with these events specially created for you!

Are residences safe and secure?

ARPEJ residences are equipped with a video monitoring system and residence entry is secure as you need an access badge to enter which tenants are given as soon as they arrive. Moreover, depending on the residence and time of the day/night, a security service may be provided.

For more details about the video monitoring and/or the security service, please view the details of the residence you’re interested in.

 

Can I invite people over and can they stay overnight?

Tenants may invite their friends / family over as long as other residents’ peace and quiet are respected.

Facilities and services

Are communal spaces available at all times?

Communal spaces are freely accessible when ARPEJ staff are on hand. You may also book a communal space. For more information on booking a specific place in a space, please contact the Staff.

Is there a laundry?

Some ARPEJ residences are equipped with laundry areas (Wash & Go); to find out which residences offer this service, please view the details of the residence you’re interested in.

Do residences have parking spaces?

Some ARPEJ residences are equipped with a car park and/or bike parking spots (Bike Place); to find out which residences offer this service, please view the details of the residence you’re interested in.

Can I move the furniture around in my accommodation?

Yes, as long as you put everything back in its original place before doing the exit inventory when you leave the accommodation.

How is the bathroom equipped?

The bathroom is equipped with a shower, a towel holder and a toilet. There’s also a washbasin with a storage cupboard underneath and a mirror above.

It should be noted that different residences may or may not have all of the equipment listed above.

What’s in the kitchenette?

The kitchenette contains a fridge with freezer, 2 hot plates, a sink and a microwave (the microwave only exists in some residences, please view the details of the residence for more information).

How is the accommodation equipped?

Accommodation comprises:

• Bathroom
• Kitchenette
• Fridge
• Microwave (some residences only)
• TV socket
• Interphone
• Furniture (desk, bed with mattress, table, stools and various storage spaces)

Does the residence lend equipment?

Some residences can lend you equipment on request: vacuum cleaners, irons, ironing boards, etc. To be sure the equipment you need is available, please contact the Staff.

 

What different communal spaces exist?

• Staff: the residence reception desk
• Work Place: coworking space where you can study/work with total peace of mind
• Life Place: a relaxation area with sofas, table football, screens, etc. (depending on the residence)
• Wash & Go: laundry open 24/7 to make your everyday tasks easier
• Car park and Bike Place: parking spaces for vehicles and bikes

It should be noted that different residences may or may not have communal spaces, equipped differently depending on the residence.
For more information, please view the details of the residence you’re interested in.

Rent and charges

What’s included in my rent?

To avoid any unwelcome surprises at the end of the month, our rent includes:

• Unlimited 24/7 Wi-Fi
• Technical Support
• Video monitoring
• Security Services
• Electricity
• Heating
• Hot and cold water
• Tax on the removal of domestic waste (TEOM)
• Residence maintenance

What is a security deposit? How much is it and when will I get it back?

A security deposit, also known in France as “caution” (housing deposit), is the amount the tenant pays the landlord/owner when concluding the rental agreement. It enables the landlord/owner to be protected in the event of any deterioration or overdue rent which the tenant owes when they leave the dwelling.

At ARPEJ, this amount is equal to one month of rent maximum excluding charges.

It is refunded at the end of the tenant’s rental agreement, net of any rental debt.

What is the “taxe d’habitation” (council tax)? Is it compulsory?

The “taxe d’habitation” (council tax) is a local tax which must be paid whether you own, rent or occupy free of charge your main or secondary dwelling.

As an ARPEJ resident, you are therefore subject to council tax for the accommodation you occupy. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be exempt. Please contact your residence manager for more details.

 

What is home insurance? Is it compulsory?

Each accommodation must be insured against the risks of fire, explosion, theft and water damage that covers property and equipment. Tenants must also take out a civil liability insurance policy and, if wished, insure their personal belongings. This civil liability insurance is compulsory.

When do I have to pay my rent?

Your rent (amount due) is to be paid in arrears (at the end of the month). You must pay it as soon as you receive your rent payment notice.

What do I have to pay when I reserve my accommodation?

Nothing 🙂 here, at ARPEJ, reservation fees don’t exist!

Housing allowances

What is housing allowance?

Housing allowance (or housing benefit) is social welfare benefit granted by the CAF (French family allowances fund). It helps you pay part of your rent. It is calculated based on your financial resources and family situation.

At ARPEJ, in accordance with terms and conditions, you can benefit from APL (personal housing allowance) or ALS (social housing allowance based on your status and the residence you choose.

Can I benefit from housing allowance if I’m in a shared rental?

Yes, you may apply for housing allowance (known as APL in France) in shared accommodation. To benefit from housing allowance (APL), in this case, each co-tenant must submit their application as quickly as possible on the French family allowances fund (CAF) website and create their housing application.

When should I request housing allowance?

You may request this as soon as you’ve signed the rental agreement.

How much will my housing allowance be?

You can estimate your housing allowance using the simulation on the French family allowances fund (CAF) website. Once you’ve done this, you will be informed of the amount which will be deducted from your rent.

What is subsidized accommodation? Is ARPEJ accommodation subsidized?

Subsidized accommodation is a dwelling whose owner (or its managing body) has concluded an agreement with the State by which it undertakes to rent under certain terms and conditions. In particular, they are no longer free to set the rent they wish. The rent amount will be capped based on a maximum rate per square metre, which depends on the geographical area concerned. And, they are no longer free to choose the tenant they wish. Low-income applicants are given priority: subsidized accommodation and income ceilings always go hand-in-hand! All ARPEJ accommodation is subsidized.

Moving out

Is it possible to continue living in the residences after graduation?

After obtaining your diploma you are no longer a student. You must therefore look for new accommodation in a residence for young workers.

Of course, we’ll give you time to do your research 🙂

Should I do an inventory when I leave the accommodation?

When you leave your dwelling an inventory describing the state of the accommodation must be drawn up. It must be as precise and detailed as the inventory drawn up when you arrived in the accommodation. The entry inventory is generally drawn up when the keys are handed over to you. By comparing the 2 inventories (entry and exit), ARPEJ can justify any deterioration and deduct from the security deposit to fund repairs.

To save time, consider doing a pre-inventory!

What formalities do I need to carry out before leaving my accommodation for good?

In order to inform ARPEJ of your departure, you must send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, signed by you to your manager. The notice to be respected is 1 month in a tight zone, 3 months in a relaxed zone and 1 month for “young active” residences.

It should be noted that this period may vary depending on the residences. For more information, please contact your residence manager.