Free tool
Build a rental application that beats the others.
Checklist tailored to your situation (nationality, scholarship, guarantor) plus a pre-filled cover letter. Written by a direct landlord at La Doua — no ads, no signup.
Your tailored application file
Documents ranked by importance. Prepare the required pieces first, then add the commonly forgotten ones to stand out from other candidates.
Required
ID document (national ID, passport, or residence permit)
Enrollment certificate from your school
Issued by your school for the relevant academic year. Without it, your application is set aside.
Guarantor's ID document
Last 3 payslips AND last tax notice of the guarantor
Landlords verify that the guarantor's income is at least 3× the rent including charges.
Often forgotten — sets you apart
French bank account RIB
Sworn statement of no income (free-form)
Having no income is normal as a student. Stating it clearly avoids back-and-forth.
Guarantor's proof of address (within 3 months)
Electricity, internet bill, or rent receipt. Extremely often forgotten.
Tenant cover letter (1 page max)
90% of student applications don't include one. It's the fastest way to leapfrog other candidates. Template below.
Tenant application letter
Pre-filled template adapted to your situation. Personalize before sending.
A candid word from a direct landlord
Many private landlords still prefer a complete file with a strong family guarantor over a minimal file with Visale alone. Visale works, but it remains poorly understood. Since the January 2026 reform limited coverage to the first 3 years of the lease, some landlords are wary of it again. If you can present both (Visale + family guarantor), do — you'll double your chances against other candidates.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need in a student rental application in Lyon?
Minimum: ID, school enrollment certificate, guarantor proof (parents or Visale), and a French bank account RIB. Add a tenant cover letter and the guarantor's proof of address to stand out.
Should I provide Visale or a family guarantor in Lyon?
If you can, provide both. Many private landlords don't know Visale or are wary of it since the January 2026 reform limited coverage to the first 3 years. A family guarantor remains the most reassuring guarantee for an independent landlord.
I'm an international student — where do I start to rent in Lyon?
Three documents to prepare now: (1) passport + long-stay visa or residence permit, (2) enrollment certificate from your French school, (3) Visale guarantee (free, request before signing the lease). Open a French bank account upon arrival — without a French RIB, direct debit for rent isn't possible.
Is a CROUS scholarship recognized by landlords?
Yes. Attach the final CROUS notification (not the conditional attestation) with the monthly staggered amount. The scholarship counts as regular income but usually doesn't waive the need for a guarantor.
Do I need a cover letter to rent an apartment?
Not mandatory, but 90% of student applications skip it. A one-page letter presenting your situation, studies, and guarantor is the fastest way to leapfrog other candidates competing for the same property.