Off to an internship in another city, an assignment abroad, or a long trip? While you're gone, your Paris flat sits empty - but the rent keeps coming out of your account. Subletting is the answer: hand your place to someone reliable for the length of your absence and cover part or all of your costs. Here's how to do it properly.
Subletting isn't "becoming a landlord"
Subletting means temporarily handing your home to someone else while you're away, while you remain the main tenant (or occupant). You're not becoming a professional landlord - there's no investment property, nothing bought to rent out. You're simply avoiding paying for an empty flat.
It's the most common situation in Paris: a student off on an exchange, an employee on assignment elsewhere, a couple travelling for a few months. Mid-term subletting - from a few weeks to a few months - fits this need exactly.
The legal essentials
Subletting is perfectly legal in France, on two key conditions:
- Your landlord's written consent. If you rent, you must get the owner's written permission before subletting. This is non-negotiable: subletting without consent can cost you your own lease.
- A capped sublet rent. The rent per square metre you charge your subtenant cannot exceed what you pay yourself. The goal is to cover your costs, not to make a profit.
If you own and live in the flat, you have more freedom to let it while you're away - but check your building's rules (copropriété).
In short: get written consent, don't overcharge, and put everything in a signed sublet agreement.
Setting a fair price
The point of subletting isn't to make money - it's to avoid losing it. The right instinct: aim to cover your rent and charges while you're away, without exceeding the legal cap.
To find your number, compare:
- Similar sublets and furnished mid-term rentals (size, neighbourhood, equipment)
- Your own real costs during the period (rent, electricity, internet - all still running)
A well-equipped, well-located flat finds a taker quickly, especially around the September back-to-school rush, the busiest period in Paris.
Preparing your flat
Whoever takes over for a few weeks wants a place that's ready to live in straight away:
- Clean, complete bedding: a decent mattress, duvet, pillows, spare sheets
- A working kitchen: fridge, hob, microwave, kettle/coffee, crockery, pots and pans
- Fast Wi-Fi: essential, especially for anyone working or studying
- A washing machine
- Cleared storage: free up a wardrobe and a few drawers for your subtenant's things
- A depersonalised space: lock away valuables and personal effects
Appreciated extras: a small desk corner, blackout blinds or curtains, and a welcome note with the practical info (Wi-Fi, bins, neighbours, useful contacts).
Choosing the right person
Mid-term subletting attracts good profiles, but a little diligence goes a long way:
- Check the situation: a work contract, assignment letter or internship agreement confirms the person has a real reason to be in Paris for the planned period.
- Verify identity: a valid ID, and ideally confirmation through a third-party platform.
- Do a detailed move-in inspection: dated photos and meter readings. It's your protection if something goes wrong.
- Watch for scam signals: someone offering to pay a large sum upfront and then asking for a partial refund, for example.
Things to keep in mind
Tell your insurer. Notify your home-insurance provider about the sublet so you stay covered for the period.
Put it in writing. A simple sublet agreement (dates, rent, inspection attached) protects both sides and avoids misunderstandings when you return.
Plan your return. Set a clear end date that matches your return, with a few days' margin.
LivedIn is a Paris platform built for subletting and mid-term furnished stays. You post your listing for free, and every tenant is verified before they can contact you - so you can hand over your home with peace of mind while you're away. See how LivedIn works.
