general HOUSING rules

Exchange students: get in touch with Mines Nancy International Relations Office at info@minesnancy.com.

Free moving students: fill in your accommodation application on the Student Services Portal.

CROUS student residences: when your reservation is confirmed, the CROUS administrator will send you a rental agreement and other necessary documents to sign. For more information and a step-by-step guide, please visit the website of the University of Lorraine's Welcome Desk.

Private apartments: the landlord has the liberty to determine the rental price and set the conditions for the rental agreement. If you decide to use a real estate agent to help you find an apartment, you may be charged an additional commission fee for their services.

Generally, the rent is paid monthly, and the payment is due at the beginning of each month. It is important to read and fully understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement before signing it to avoid any misunderstandings or issues during your tenancy.

International students who wish to rent accommodation in France are typically required to provide a letter from a guarantor. A guarantor is a French resident who agrees to pay the rent in case the student is unable to do so.

If you do not have a guarantor, there are online services available such as VISALE, which is available to students between the ages of 18 and 30, or its alternative, GarantMe.

For students who will be staying in CROUS residences, Mines Nancy may serve as a guarantor in some cases. It is important to discuss this option with the International Office in advance.

When renting any type of accommodation, it is common to be required to pay a security deposit, also known as a rental payment guarantee. Typically, this amount is equivalent to one month's rent and is due at the start of the rental agreement, along with the first month's payment.

The purpose of the security deposit is to provide the landlord with a guarantee of your commitment to maintaining the property in good condition. Assuming that you leave the rental in the same condition as when you arrived and have not caused any damage to the property or furnishings, you should expect to receive the full deposit back at the end of the rental agreement.

It's important to note that failure to meet the terms of the rental agreement or causing damage to the property or furnishings could result in a partial or complete loss of the security deposit. Therefore, it is crucial to read and understand the terms of your rental agreement before signing it, and to take good care of the property throughout your tenancy.

If you are planning to rent any type of accommodation, it is important to obtain Housing and Civil Liability Insurance. These types of insurance are mandatory and provide protection for you and the property owner in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Housing insurance must be renewed annually, and it is recommended to choose a comprehensive policy that includes basic coverage and additional options for better protection in the event of a disaster.

Civil liability insurance is typically included in most home insurance policies and covers damages you may cause to others in your daily life. It is essential to have this coverage in case of any accidents or incidents that could occur during your tenancy.

You have the option to purchase an insurance policy from any insurance provider (for example, Student Insurance - ADH), to ensure that you have proper coverage and peace of mind throughout your tenancy. Make sure to review and understand the terms and conditions of the policy before signing up to ensure you are adequately protected.

Some students in France may be eligible for housing assistance (APL - Aide sociale au logement) provided by the CAF (Caisse d’allocations familiales – Family Benefits Agency), subject to eligibility conditions.

Important change from 1 July 2026 (Décret n° 2026-552 du 27 juin 2026):

• Non-EU students (i.e. students who are not nationals of a country in the European Economic Area or Switzerland) holding a long-stay visa or a Student residence permit will only be eligible for this financial benefit if they are recipients of a French higher education social-criteria scholarship.
• Students who were already receiving APL but no longer meet these new conditions will lose their entitlement to APL from July 2026.

More information about the changes, eligibility criteria and who can still benefit from APL is available on the CAF website.

In all cases, we recommend that students contact CAF as soon as possible to update their file and check their individual situation.