What Is a Guarantor in France?
Looking for housing in France and came across the term “guarantor” (in French: garant)? You’re not alone! Most landlords in France require one, especially for international students. Here’s everything you need to know about who can be a guarantor, what they commit to, and how to rent if you don’t have one.
📌 What Exactly Is a Guarantor?
A guarantor is a person or organization who promises to pay your rent if you can’t. It’s a legal commitment. Landlords ask for it to reduce risk — especially when the tenant doesn’t have a stable income or job contract in France (like many students).
🤔 Why Do You Need a Guarantor in France?
Landlords are more likely to accept your rental application if you provide a guarantor. It reassures them that rent will be paid no matter what. If you don’t have a guarantor, some landlords may refuse your application — unless you use a professional guarantor service (explained below).
👤 Who Can Be Your Guarantor?
To be accepted, your guarantor usually must:
- Live in France (ideally)
- Have a stable income (at least 3x the rent)
- Provide official documents (ID, proof of income, tax notice, etc.)
👪 Most students ask a parent or family member. Friends or employers can also act as guarantors. Some landlords may accept foreign guarantors, but this is rare — always ask first.
📄 What Is a Guarantor Agreement?
It’s a legal document that makes the guarantor responsible for your rent. This includes rent arrears, late fees, and sometimes damages.
It usually includes:
- Names: tenant, landlord, and guarantor
- Duration: often the same as the lease
- Obligations: rent amount, late fees, etc.
- Termination: when the lease ends or if all parties agree
- Jurisdiction: under French law
🔍 Types of Guarantor Agreements
- Simple Guarantee: The landlord must try to recover the rent from you first.
- Joint and Several Guarantee (solidaire): The landlord can demand payment directly from the guarantor without trying to contact the tenant first. ⚠️ This is the most common type in student housing.
🏦 What If You Don’t Have a Guarantor?
No worries! You can use a guarantor service. These are companies that act as guarantor for a fee (usually 3%–5% of the annual rent). Some known services include:
- Garantme
- Visale (free for eligible students)
- Unkle
They provide a certificate to give to your landlord and are widely accepted in student rentals.
✅ Benefits:
- Accepted by most landlords
- No need to ask a parent or friend
- Faster and simpler application process
⚠️ Considerations:
- It’s a paid service (except Visale, which is free)
- You must provide documents and sometimes a co-signer
💡 Final Tips
- Check if your landlord accepts Visale before applying
- Don’t sign a lease until the guarantor or service is approved
- Ask for a copy of the guarantor agreement and read it carefully
📎 Related Articles
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Guarantors in France
🔹 What is a guarantor in France?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. It’s a common requirement in France, especially for students or people without a steady income.
🔹 Who can be a guarantor for international students?
It can be a parent, friend, or employer residing in France. You can also use a professional guarantor service like Visale or Garantme if you don’t have someone locally.
🔹 What if I don’t have a guarantor?
You can use a guarantor service such as Visale (free) or Garantme (paid). These services issue a certificate accepted by most landlords.
🔹 What’s the difference between a simple and a joint guarantee?
A simple guarantee means the landlord must ask the tenant first. A joint (or “solidary”) guarantee allows the landlord to contact the guarantor directly in case of missed rent.