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Moving In: Before Unpacking
Moving In: Before Unpacking
When you meet with your landlord or host family to get the keys and move in, be sure to bring along rental and security deposit
receipts and the walkthrough état des lieux forms, all of which can be downloaded from the Housing section of MyAUP. Note that
there are four different walkthrough forms, depending on the type of housing you choose: apartment, studio, independent room
or homestay.
First Month’s Rent and Security Deposit
Whichever housing option you choose, expect to pay a one-month security deposit and
your first month’s rent before moving in to your new place. Students staying at AUP
for more than one semester: Plan on pre-opening a bank account through AUP if you
don’t already have one in Paris to cover your initial housing expenses. Do not rely on
your ATM card as there is usually a daily or weekly limit on withdrawals from an ATM
machine.
Visiting students may want to arrive in Paris with traveler’s checks to pay the first
month’s rent and deposit. Note, however, that there is almost always a commission
charged when converting these to cash, even if they are in euros.
A rental receipt should be signed by your landlord every time you pay rent, including your
first month’s rent. Also have your landlord sign a receipt for your security deposit before
you move in. Keep these receipts in a safe place (scan them on campus photocopiers) –
you may need them if there is ever a misunderstanding about payment!
Collecting Your Keys
Once you’ve paid your rent and security deposit and completed your housing
walkthrough, your landlord will give you a set of keys, which may include a key for the
front door, your apartment door and the mailbox.
Keys are very expensive in France, so be careful not to lose them.
You will be responsible for any expenses incurred if they are lost or stolen. Your
Housing Insurance covers key replacement in case of theft. Note that there is a 75€
deductible in this case . See MyAUP for more information about housing insurance.
If you lose your keys on a weekend or late at night, do NOT call an emergency
(dépannage) locksmith.
Emergency locksmiths are so expensive that you would be better off going to a
hotel or staying with a friend. A list of electricians, plumbers and locksmiths is
available in the Housing section of MyAUP.
Housing Walkthroughs or Etat des Lieux
One of the most frequent problems students report to the Housing Office is difficulty
recovering security deposits upon departure. In order for us to defend you in case of a
conflict regarding your deposit, YOU MUST FILL OUT THE HOUSING WALKTHROUGH
BEFORE MOVING IN AND UPON MOVING OUT. Be sure to keep this in a safe place.
Keep these tips in mind when filling out the walkthrough:
• Under French law, visible plumbing repairs are the responsibility of the tenant. It’s
essential to check whether everything is in working order when you move in. Make
sure that the toilet flushes and that the sink and shower drain properly.
• Note any stains or damage to carpets, floors, walls, furniture, etc.
• If you have a camera, take pictures of the apartment when you move in.
• Be meticulous – when the walkthrough is completed properly, it will help support
your claims regarding the state of the housing when you moved in.
• Take the electricity meter reading.
Once completed, the form should be signed by you and by your landlord and each of
you should keep a copy. You will use this document when you move out, so keep it in a
safe place. Be sure to note down your landlord’s name, telephone number and e-mail
in a convenient place in case you need this information later in the semester. If your
landlord or a representative is not available when you move in, it is still essential to fill out
the walkthrough form and send him/her a photocopy.
Interacting with Your Landlord
Students should keep in mind that communicating with their landlords and with the
Housing Office when they are in doubt can mean the difference between a good
housing experience and a less than positive experience.
Even if you don’t feel comfortable speaking French, your landlord will appreciate your
attempt.
The Housing Office can help translate and explain misunderstandings. If you are
encountering difficulty with any aspect of your housing, please talk to us about it rather
than hoping it will go away. If you have the opportunity to see your landlord on a regular
basis, try to engage him/her in conversation.
The French are very proud of their culture and their language and if you show an
interest, they will appreciate it. Such “non-touristic” exchanges can be a very valuable
learning experience for both of you. When living with a French family, try to intuit the
rhythm of the new household in which you are living. Make an effort to adapt yourself
to it.
In the beginning of your stay, although your landlord will try to help you learn the ropes,
you are still a stranger. You need to learn to be comfortable with each other. Once that
happens, your landlord may be willing to share more with you. Many long-term intercultural
relationships have been established in this way.
10 The Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing The Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing
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