No CROUS room? Private rentals come with two legal limits: what a landlord may ask for and what they may charge.

CROUS: the main phase is closed to international students; the complementary phase is open to all students, with priority by social criteria.

Housing aid: since 1 July 2026, non-EU/EEA/Swiss students with a study visa or permit get APL only with a social-criteria scholarship, a job, or an apprenticeship or professionalisation contract.

Visale: anyone aged 18 to 30 qualifies, whatever their situation; with a bail mobilité, any age. Action Logement then acts as your guarantor, for free.

The file: a landlord may check identity, domicile, work situation and resources — think last 3 payslips or a student card. Asking for anything outside the authorised list is forbidden.

Deposits: 1 month's rent without charges if the home is empty, 2 months if furnished, never raised mid-lease. A bail mobilité — furnished, 1 to 10 months — allows no deposit at all.

Tip: never wire money before visiting the place and signing a written lease.

How did it go for you? Share it in a note — it helps the next person. Full guide: https://pionra.world/en/p/logement-france-sans-crous-sans-visale