Independent worker housing | How to find a rental?

How to rent a property as an independent worker?

Do you want to rent a property as an independent worker? Indeed, access to rental housing is primarily given to employees on permanent contracts. However, according to figures from the association for access to rental guarantees (APAGL), more than 60% of the population does not meet the conditions for access to rental housing. Finding a rental as a freelancer or in wage portage is therefore entirely possible. That’s why, through this article, we will guide you through the steps to rent a property as a ported consultant or independent worker.

Calculate your budget

To be considered creditworthy by landlords, the tenant must present stable income that is at least 2.7 times higher than the rent amount (including charges). Finding an apartment to rent for an independent consultant can thus prove difficult. To better prepare yourself, it is advisable to calculate your budget in advance. Take your revenue and deduct all current expenses (electricity/gas subscription, phone, food, taxes, etc.). With a precise understanding of your budget, you will target the rent that corresponds to your situation.

💡 Good to know: if you are in wage portage, you increase your chances of convincing landlords, as you have employee status.

Turn to small landlords

To find your housing more easily, avoid turning to real estate agencies. This way, you escape many constraints, including the risk of having your application rejected. The best option to become a tenant as an independent consultant is to turn to peer-to-peer rental platforms. Among these platforms, we find Le Bon Coin, PAP, or the site Entre particuliers. By going through a private landlord, your application will not pose a problem. Otherwise, these few tips can make all the difference:

• Write a cover letter: write a brief letter and attach it to your application to show your seriousness to the landlord.
• Present your financial statements: attach copies of your financial statements to your application to demonstrate the regularity of your income.
• Prioritize communication: plan a face-to-face meeting with the landlord to discuss your activity and your clients.

💡 Good to know: if you go through a private landlord, do not advance any fees before signing a document.

Find a guarantor

To further convince the landlord of the property you are interested in, you may consider turning to a guarantor. As the name suggests, they can act as a guarantor to ensure the payment of the rent in case of the tenant's incapacity. This provides an additional guarantee to the landlord. To find a guarantor, you can turn to:

• A family member or friend whose salary corresponds to 3 times the rent amount;
• A service company that offers a housing guarantee for independents;
• A health protection service;
• A professional legal protection.

If you turn to a housing guarantee, you must present your application to the guaranteeing company, which will send you an eligibility certificate to convince the landlord. In return, you will need to pay a commission equivalent to 3 to 5% of the rent amount.

Compile a complete housing application file

To compile your housing application file, you need to gather the following 4 supporting documents:

1. A copy of your identity document: this can be your identity card or your valid passport.
2. A proof of residence: the last 3 rent receipts with a letter from the previous landlord attesting to the absence of arrears, a sworn statement from the current host, the last property tax notice, or the title of ownership of the main residence.
3. A proof of your professional activity: a SIRET number, a copy of the activity declaration certificate obtained from URSSAF, a copy of the identification certificate from INSEE.
4. A proof of income: a copy of your last tax notice or a copy of your last two financial statements.

💡 Good to know: this list of supporting documents is regulated by law, which means that the landlord cannot ask you for additional documents.

The essentials of the article summarized in 4 points

You now know all the steps to take to rent a property as an independent worker. Here’s a quick recap:

1. You need to establish an estimate of your budget by deducting your current expenses from your revenue.
2. You can turn to small landlords through peer-to-peer rental platforms.
3. You can request a guarantor from your family or a specialized company that offers a housing guarantee for independents.
4. You must present a complete file gathering the 4 supporting documents required by law: the identity document, proof of residence, proofs of professional activity, and your income.

To maintain your autonomy as an independent consultant while staying protected, take a look at our guide.