FAQ_HOUSING

The International Student Welcome team has listed all the questions you might have about accommodation when you move to Aix-Marseille Université.

• Where can I find housing?
• How do I apply for a room at CROUS?
• What does a room at CROUS include?
• What supporting documents should I include in my rental file?
• What is a guarantor?
• I don't have a physical guarantor, what should I do?
• Do I need home insurance ?
• If I share a flat, who will take out home insurance ?
• Where can I buy home insurance ?
• What is a security deposit ?
• Can I receive housing assistance ?
• Can I live in Marseille and study in Aix-en-Provence ?
• What should I do in case of water damage ?
• What should I do if I have a dispute with my landlord ?
• I want to leave my apartment, what should I do ?
   
• Do you have another question? Go to the international students' helpdesk!

Where can I find accommodation?

Finding accommodation can be complicated for many international students, which is why we have put together a list of links on our website to help you find your accommodation !

We also invite you to use our partner platforms Studapart and Amastas.

How to apply for a room at CROUS?

First of all, you must create an account on the website mes services étudiants. Then, in mid-July, you can apply for the rooms offered on the CROUS website.

Please note! Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will get a room.

If you have not yet found a place to live before your arrival in France, we strongly recommend that you reserve a hotel room for the first week. The hotel reservation is also valid as proof of accommodation for the visa application.

However, we remind you that for international students, it is only possible to obtain a room in a CROUS residence hall from the Master level onwards.

What does a CROUS room include?

There are different types of rooms depending on the residence but all CROUS rooms have a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, a refrigerator, a shower, a sink and a toilet (some residences have shared toilets). The kitchen is shared.
Electricity, water and Internet are included in the room rent.

Please note! Linen, pillows, dishes and kitchen utensils are not provided. You will have to provide them yourself.

What supporting documents should I include in my rental file ?

The list of documents varies depending on the type of accommodation and the requirements of your future landlord, but in general, you will need to provide the following documents

• A photocopy of your valid identity card
• A copy of your valid residence permit (VLS-TS, carte de séjour) if you came to France with a visa
• A copy of your student card or your school certificate for the current year
• A certificate of home insurance
• A letter from your guarantor, his or her identity card, last 3 pay slips, last tax form.

What is a guarantor ?

A guarantor is a natural or legal person who stands surety for you. This means that he/she commits to pay your rent if you are no longer able to do so. In France, almost all landlords, whether you are French or foreign, will ask you for a guarantor. It is a way for them to make sure that they will receive the rent, no matter what happens.

I don't have a guarantor, what should I do ?

If you don't have a relative who can act as a guarantor, there are other ways to get one:

• The VISALE system : is a free rental deposit set up by the government that you can subscribe to. To facilitate your search for housing in France, we recommend that you take the VISALE steps before you arrive in France. It is not necessary to know your address in France to obtain your VISALE eligibility certificate (called "VISALE visa").
• The GARANTME system: is a paying solution for tenants who do not have a guarantor.
  Please note that this system is not accepted by the CROUS!

Do I need home insurance?

Yes, regardless of the type of housing you choose, you will be legally obliged to take out a home insurance policy covering at least water and fire damage. This policy allows you to be compensated by your insurance company in case of a disaster in your home.

In the case of a shared apartment, who should take out home insurance ?

In the case of a roommate, either each roommate has to take out a deposit or subscribe to a single deposit contract for all the roommates.

Where can I buy home insurance?

To purchase home insurance, you can contact:

• Heyme University's partner ,
  Don't forget to enter the partner code 13AMU to get a 10% discount!
• the CROUS housing service,
• or any other private institution (bank or insurance).

What is a security deposit?

The security deposit is the amount that you will pay to your landlord in addition to the first rent to cover any unpaid rent or charges and any damage that you may cause to the accommodation.
It is equivalent to one month's rent and cannot be higher.
This sum is legally reimbursed to you in its entirety at the time of your departure and after an inventory of fixtures if you return the accommodation in its original state.

Can I receive housing assistance?

Students can benefit from financial aid for housing (APL / ALS) by applying for a housing allowance on the website of the Caisse des Allocations Familiales (CAF). The amount of assistance varies according to the amount of rent and the student's status.

For more information, please consult our FAQ page on SOCIAL ASSISTANCE.

Can I live in Marseille and study in Aix-en-Provence ?

Yes, this can be a good option to save money, as housing in Marseille is less expensive than in Aix-en-Provence. The "LeCar" shuttles run every day and provide a regular link between the bus stations in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.

For more information on transportation in the region and how to subscribe, please visit our page 'getting around the region' !

What to do in case of water damage ?

In case of damage, you must notify your insurance company within 5 days and fill out a joint report describing the damage. Your insurer can ask for an expertise before compensating you. Their contact details are mentioned on the receipts or in the contract.
The declaration can be made by telephone or by going directly to the insurer's agency. Some insurers also allow you to make the declaration online. Check this possibility on their website. If you cannot do it online, it is preferable to send a declaration by mail, preferably by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, to your insurer.

What should I do if I have a dispute with my landlord ?

Contact the ADIL13.
Their mission is to inform users free of charge about their rights and obligations and about housing solutions that are adapted to them. The advice provided by the ADILs is based on the skills of legal experts trained in all housing-related issues.

I want to leave my accommodation, what should I do ?

As a tenant, you can leave your accommodation at any time. You must inform the owner (or the real estate agency if the property is managed by an agency) in advance.
To do this, you must give notice and respect a notice period. This period is different depending on whether the property is rented empty or furnished. Check your rental contract!

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