- A residency permit

- Proof of current address (utility bill)

- Payslips for the last 3 months - your income needs to be at least 3 times the monthly rent

Other charges and fees involved are:

- The "taxe d'habitation" - which is paid according to the size of the property, check how much this will be for your property.

- Building upkeep fees known as "charges communes" - these are not always included in the quoted monthly rent so check beforehand.

- A bond, in the form of a cheque for 2 or 3 times the rent, known as a "cheque de caution"- this is refunded at the end of the rental period, providing the property is kept in good condition, but there have been a few problems with this in the past. Taking photos of the way the flat looks at the start is a good way to ensure that you get this money back.

House contents insurance is also a good idea, if you have not already arranged it.

Added by Jennifer 19/6/08 - "It should be noted that apartments in France are rented empty. This means no stove, no refridgerator, no kitchen cabinets or counters or shleves, no light fixtures, and sometimes no seat on the toilet. Just don't be surprised. They do have to leave the kitchen sink though."

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