How do you rent an apartment when you are a freelancer?

Renting a home when you are a micro-entrepreneur, auto-entrepreneur or freelancer can be a real obstacle course. Owners and real estate agencies are often reticent when faced with profiles whose incomes are perceived as unstable or irregular. Whether for a furnished rental, an empty rental or a seasonal rental, the requirements remain strict.

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However, by building a solid rental file and following a few strategies, it is entirely possible to find a rental that suits your situation. This guide explains how to put all the odds in your favor!

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Why do self-employed people have difficulty renting?

The main obstacle to obtaining a rental for a freelancer or a micro-entrepreneur is the question of solvency. An owner or a real estate agency is looking for a future tenant who can ensure regular rent payments and avoid unpaid bills.

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Several points are a source of concern for donors:

• The absence of a permanent contract, perceived as a guarantee of stability.
• Earnings that can vary from month to month.
• Criteria imposed by unpaid rent guarantees.
• Compliance with rent regulations in certain areas.
• The ability to pay rent over several months without delay.

As a result, many auto-entrepreneurs see their applications rejected in favor of permanent profiles.

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How do you build a convincing rental case?

To increase your chances of getting a rental, it is essential to prepare a solid and complete rental file. Here are the essential documents:

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Personal documents:

• Identity document: identity card, passport, driver's license.
• Proof of residence: last three rent receipts or accommodation certificate.
• Most recent tax notice.
• Pay slips if you are employed in parallel.

Professional documents:

• Kbis extract or SIRENE status notice to prove your status.
• The last two balance sheets or turnover certificates.
• Any document attesting to additional income (allowances, social benefits, pension, etc.).
• Certificate from your chartered accountant on the stability of your income.

Guarantor documents (if required):

• ID.
• Proof of income and residence.
• Property tax notice if the guarantor is an owner.

Also include a cover letter explaining your business and highlighting your stable financial situation. This reassures the owner and optimizes your chances of obtaining housing.

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Choosing the right accommodation and optimizing your chances

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Define your budget

To determine an affordable rent amount, subtract professional, tax and personal expenses from your turnover. In general, landlords require a net income that is at least three times the rent.

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Direct rental or via a real estate agency?

• Going through an individual can offer more flexibility, as some owners are more likely to study an atypical file.
• Real estate agencies often apply more stringent criteria but offer a more professional framework and better rental management.

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Call on a real estate hunter

If you are having trouble finding a housing, you can Call in a real estate hunter. This real estate search expert fully knows the marketplace and can help you target the right offers, optimize your rental file and reassure the owner. He can also assist you in negotiations to fix the amount of rent under favorable conditions.

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Provide additional guarantees

• Offer a solid guarantor (parents, friends, organizations such as the VISALE Guarantee).
• Pay a larger security deposit
• Show a history of paying rent without delay.
• Provide an employment contract if you have additional paid employment.

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Domiciliating your business at home: is it possible?

It is possible to domicile your business at your personal address, provided that the lease does not explicitly prohibit it. However, some condominiums and municipalities have restrictions. It is therefore essential to check the terms of the lease contract and the local regulations.

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Housing benefits for self-employed workers

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The APL (Personalized Housing Assistance)

Self-entrepreneurs and freelancers can benefit from the APL under income conditions. The request is made on the CAF website.

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Social housing

Self-employed persons can apply for social housing if their reference tax income does not exceed a certain ceiling. Wait times vary by region.

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The VISALE Guarantee

Action Logement offers the VISALE Guarantee, a free rental deposit that reassures landlords by guaranteeing the payment of rents in the event of a tenant's default.

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The importance of technical diagnostics and owner obligations

When a home is rented, the lessor must provide several legal documents, including:

• An energy performance diagnosis (DPE).
• A complete technical diagnosis.
• A rental contract in accordance with regulations.

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These documents make it possible to guarantee the conformity of the property and to avoid any dispute between the owner and the tenant.

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Conclusion

Although accessing housing can be more difficult for self-employed individuals, careful preparation and the use of support mechanisms can greatly facilitate the search for housing.

By anticipating the expectations of landlords, by offering guarantees and by promoting serious rental management, it is possible to find housing adapted to one's professional activity.

If you need help to find an appartment, contact MeCaza !