Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Ins tation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Hos n Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintain The Housing Office Presents: ncy Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Re ationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Sit Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent nformation Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationsh hooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Movin tal Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Informa andlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshoot ng Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental T rces Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Land esolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out M gency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientatio Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Re ationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Sit Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent nformation Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationsh hooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Movin tal Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Informa andlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshoot ng Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental T rces Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Land esolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out M the Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing Contents Find Your Home Away From Home 2 Who’s Who in the AUP Housing Office 3 Housing Compact: Rules and Regulations 4-5 Preparing for Housing Pre-Arrival 6 Orientation: Temporary Housing 7 Orientation: The Housing Process Step by Step 9 Choosing Housing 10 Types of Housing 11 - 13 Moving In: Before Unpacking 14 - 15 10 Tips on Paying Your Monthly Rent 16 Settling in for the Semester 17 Roommates 21 Returning Students 22 AUP Housing Insurance 23 What to Do in an Emergency 24 - 27 Moving Out 28 - 29 Resolving Housing Conflicts 30 - 31 FAQ 32 CAF 33 Review of Essential Housing Forms 34 - 35 Review of Useful Numbers 36 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 1 Find Your Home Away From Home Who’s Who in the AUP Housing Office Paris is a city with breathtaking views and architectural treasures around every corner. It is also a busy European capital that may seem impersonal until you learn your way around. Living in Paris, interacting with French citizens as well as citizens from countries around the globe, will be an integral part of your AUP experience. The Housing Office is one of the main units of the Student Affairs Department, which also includes the Sports Office, the Cultural Program, Career Development and the Health & Wellness unit. AUP Housing helps students find clean, affordable housing during Orientation and throughout the year. The Housing Office team also provides help with housing-related issues, such as payment of rent, insurance declarations and liaising with landlords. Please read through this handbook carefully to better understand how the office works and the services it can provide you as an AUP student. As you become familiar with Paris, its charms and challenges, you will develop lifelong skills in cross-cultural communication and understanding, adding yet another dimension to your education. Like most European universities, The American University of Paris has no dormitories, so all of Paris is our campus. AUP students are housed in the city or in its immediate suburbs. New students are either housed in independent rooms known as chambres de bonnes, small studio apartments, or single rooms in the apartments of host families. A description of these options can be found later in this handbook (pages 10-13). Students should count on having a short commute to school by foot, bicycle, metro or bus. The success of your Paris experience depends largely on your open-mindedness and flexibility. As in most major cities, housing prices tend to be high, and you will probably have to adapt to living in a smaller and more antiquated space than you are used to. When in Paris, do as Parisians! Office Hours Nancy and Jo are available from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, providing advice and support throughout the year. In case of an emergency outside of office hours, contact the main switchboard at: 01 40 62 06 00 for assistance. Nancy Lebalc’h Housing Coordinator Tel: 01 40 62 05 99 E-mail: housing@aup.edu Jo Lowrey Housing Assistant Tel: 01 40 62 05 97 E-mail: housing@aup.edu Where to Find Us The Housing Office is located in the Bosquet Building, B-41. Note that the Office temporarily sets up shop in the Grenelle Building during Orientation, but moves back to B-41 before classes start each semester. 1. The Housing Office at 31 av Bosquet 4. Temporary Housing Office during Orientation at 147 rue de Grenelle What Do We Do? • House hundreds of AUP Students each semester • Assist with housing insurance claims, housing related forms, etc., while encouraging responsibility and accountability • Develop and maintain good working relationships with landlords throughout Paris to the benefit of AUP students • Help resolve disputes and misunderstandings between landlords and students AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 3 Housing Compact - Rules & Regulations Accommodations Through AUP’s Housing Office Students who choose to find accommodations through AUP’s Housing Office are bound by certain rules and regulations detailed on the next page, but are also guaranteed certain rights. It is essential to clearly understand these rights and responsibilities from day one to avoid confusion or unnecessary frustration later in the year. Note that the Housing Office can only house full-time AUP students. Your rights include: • Assistance from the Housing Office to find comfortable and affordable accommodations within a reasonable commuting distance from campus. • Assistance year-round with the various housing issues you may encounter, including assistance with insurance claims. • The right to have the Housing Office act as an intermediary if you have a dispute with a landlord or host family. • The right to contest a decision by the Housing Office if you are not satisfied. (See page 31 for details). Doing Your Own Thing AUP students are not required to find housing through the Housing Office. Finding housing on your own in Paris can be difficult, but is not impossible. Students who wish to find housing outside of the University Housing Office should be aware of the following: • Lease agreements for furnished apartments are made for one year. However, the contact may be broken if one month’s* advance move-out notice is given in writing and sent by registered mail. (*Notice may differ in some cases. See lease) • The standard security deposit consists of one month’s rent, which, by law, may be returned up to two months after the student’s departure. • A letter from the “financially responsible person’s” bank will be required. Financial statements will need to be disclosed (i.e., copies of parent’s payslips, bank statements, references, etc.) • A housing walkthrough or état des lieux must be filled out by the student and landlord when the student moves in and reviewed when the student moves out. The walkthrough is your responsibility and will be used to determine if any damages will be deducted from your security deposit upon departure. Please see the Housing section of MyAUP for a list of agencies and other sources to begin your self search for housing in Paris. Here are two Web sites for articles with more information on this subject: http://www.understandfrance.org/Paris/Life.html http://dordogne.angloinfo.com/information/6/re_rental.asp 4 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide ns o i t la u g e R ls ividua re ind e h T he w . t unity o r no . m P m U o A below ac gh tions throu UP is la A d , u e ) g r g e u ec gR talo t h er s ousin ity Ca . t he H g , w he nivers t U c in s e h AUP e u g p e hrou ct (S o res t all ho t u o d d Y t e n T I s o in d IL fC ex ten g ob t a O N S IB o de o RESP housin nt; this rsity C e g e e h in t m iv t n n h n U it re iro al in the ir env pled w w h en . Rent ester t coincide is cou nd t he ef fect ulated a m e t ip r e c t a s e fi s h f t h us As to gO anot of one ure m m en t ousin c t one nimum UP. 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Before filling out the form online, take the time to review the housing options listed on the following During Orientation and while waiting to be housed for the semester, students are provided with temporary accommodations, usually at the FIAP. The FIAP is France’s largest student center, providing temporary accommodations to students from around the world. pages. On the form you should indicate your budget, preferences and any special needs. You may modify these preferences at any time prior to selecting your housing. If you wish to share your housing with a friend, you and the other student must each specify each other as roommates on your Housing Preference Forms. You will be given a housing appointment together. This option is only valid for students who have established a friendship before arriving in Paris. Depending on housing availability, we cannot guarantee all requests for roommate situations. You will not be able to move into your housing until you have paid the landlord one month’s rent and one month’s security deposit. Students staying at AUP more than one semester: please be sure to pre-open a bank account through AUP and to transfer funds ahead of time to cover this expense if you don’t already have a bank account in Paris. The Office of Student Affairs contacts students pre-arrival to assist with preopening bank accounts. Students who are present for Orientation and using the Housing Office services will be provided with temporary accommodations until they find permanent housing. Students who prefer to find housing on their own will be guaranteed temporary accommodations only for the first two nights of Orientation week. Requests for additional nights will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Please note that the Housing Office is unable to house students prior to Orientation. Most students should be housed in their permanent accommodations no later than Thursday morning of Orientation week. Note that AUP Orientation activities usually start at the FIAP and then move to the AUP campus as of the first Monday or Orientation. More about the FIAP… How long can I stay at the FIAP? As of the first Monday morning of Orientation, only students using the Housing Office to find permanent housing can continue to stay at the FIAP. Students who need to stay beyond Thursday due to AUP housing delays may do so at no extra cost, but may be asked to change rooms. If this is the case, be sure to contact one of the AUP student representatives (RAs) staying at the residence. Can I have a single room? No. AUP students share rooms with other AUP students - there are no single FIAP rooms. Is there a curfew at the FIAP? Yes. All residents must return to the FIAP by 2H (2am), at which time the doors are locked. As a matter of courtesy, please keep the noise level down after 22H (10pm). day of departure, you must vacate your room before 9am. If you will not be moving in until later in the day, you can store your bags in the luggage room. When you leave the FIAP, you must check out with the AUP RAs stationed in the lobby. Give them your room key and they can help you get a taxi. There is a charge for keys not returned to the RAs before 9am on the day of departure. Most students should be housed in their permanent accommodations no later than Thursday morning of Orientation week. Are meals served at the FIAP? Yes. Students staying at the FIAP will receive meal tickets to be used for dinner at the cafeteria located in the FIAP lobby. Breakfast is served from 6H45 to 8H45 and dinner from 18H30 to 20H30. The FIAP Café is open from 8H00 to 23H45 and serves drinks and snacks. What should I do if I need to go shopping during Orientation? Other than the shopping center across the street from the Glacière metro station, there are few stores in the FIAP neighborhood. However, most necessities can be found in the AUP neighborhood. When you participate in a Campus and Neighborhood Tour, the Student Advisors leading the tour will point out the best places to shop. Is there a place to store luggage? Yes. It is next to the reception desk. ATTENTION: If you wish to lock up your computer or other valuables in a secure place, use the coin-operated lockers next to the luggage room. How can I call or receive messages at the FIAP? You can receive calls in your room, but will need to use public phones for outgoing calls. Pay phones located in the lobby and on each floor require a télécarte (phone card), which may be purchased from the vending machines in the FIAP lobby. If you miss a call to your room, a message will be posted on the message board at the reception desk (check this regularly). Is there a check-out process at the FIAP? Yes! You must check out of the FIAP as soon as you have found permanent housing. On the Can I wash clothes at the FIAP? The FIAP has a laundry room with machines operating on tokens (called jetons in French) which are sold at the reception desk. Laundry detergent, soap and shampoo are available in the vending machines in the lobby. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 7 Fall Orientation - Paris 14ème ss, e c o r P sing u o H e h on: T i t a t n tep e S y Ori b p iew of Ste plete rev is a com . Here l in Paris on arriva p u ts n pare ur place. ents and to find yo oth stud e b c f o ffi O rn g e nc ’s Housin e first co with AUP is often th rk g o in w s u to o se that h you choo We know s works if s e c ro p how the ousing visor*. 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Che a H a it r u w ts rily sit o n y ou orities studen d ri t s p te o a d m n ic a tempora d e e ge t u in o nc ld tr y to b your bud building hoices yo discuss y ou s h ou Bosquet iew the c o to v a new s r d re , d fo re to n a k a r p o a t d em e to lo Be pre s . g Adviso re s o in g o s te h u in u c o in is n H ca 0m ing t with a and you en t h ou s st up to 3 will mee mitment and stud ts can la m y n o it e c ). c 4. You r rd tm e te lo in iv s d em e appo r lan x p en s g a one -s Housing s is an e ce to you in ri ti k a o a P n m r. ’s o ly th on on Advis ing one m a visit. at you are Housing chedule (after giv ember th s r m te to e s R e rd . m lo le e Do land flexib o f e ac h s system. n call the the end portation r will the s o n is a v place at tr d A n ia sing the Paris T h e H ou versed in e offers. d n re a th h f c o n Fre o s e one P fluent in 5. 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Whe the land form. Th ents to fi ) o m x s u u c it e o li is d v s four t de after the sit ugh (éta be given d a d ep o walk thro . You will a le d ib n s a s ’s rent an o rm th p n fo o t m ip t e firs nt rec pay your form, a re pared to page. g re p in s e u B o ! place MyAUP H your new ove into m d n a no t the FIAP ent may c k ou t o f appointm r oved u o m y 10. Che . e t b in a oving are th annot c w a ts e g n b e t, tm before m tmen poin ur housin g appoin using ap found yo o in h e s , v u a o ts h h n l r e il y ou uw stud week, yo ny you to to other entation fairness accompa ri f o O to t f g u o in O d n . en gins er is plan er. By the using be ily memb ily memb y that ho a m d fa t a rs * If a fam f fi o e ns uled on th travel pla b e s c he d date the o m m o c to ac . forward our place ed into y v o and m Housed g in e B o t s The 10 Step ✓ The sooner you move into your permanent housing the sooner you’ll be able to settle in and start concentrating on the semester ahead! Most students are housed within a few days after arrival. ✓ Remember to check out of the FIAP as soon as you have found permanent housing. On the day of departure, you must vacate your room before 9am. If you will not be moving in until later in the day, you can store your bags in the luggage room. When you leave the FIAP, you must check out with the AUP RAs stationed in the lobby. Give them your room key and they can help you get a taxi. There is a €10 charge for keys not returned to the RAs before 9am on the day of departure. 8 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 9 Choosing Housing: A Network of Options throughout Paris Types of Housing Overview of Accommodations and Costs IR - Independent Room (chambre de bonne) The Housing Office works closely with hundreds of apartment owners and host families throughout Paris to ensure that AUP students benefit from the widest possible selection of housing options upon arrival in Paris. Formerly servants’ quarters, these small furnished rooms have been converted to house students. An average room measures between 10 and 15 square meters (110-160 square feet). While students are housed throughout the city, most students find housing near campus in independent rooms known as chambres de bonnes, small studio apartments, or single rooms in host family apartments. There are no “standard” rooms or rent. Prices vary according to a room’s size, amenities and location in Paris. The average housing budget at AUP is around 600€, but monthly rent can vary anywhere from 400€ to over 1000€. €0 IR €450 - €650 RA: €550 - €770 RA/DP: €700 - €850 WC maybe in hallway Few IRs available in €450 range FH €650 ST €850 + APP €1400 + €1500 Fewer APPs available in €1400+ range AUP Housing Insurance €33 per semester/studio €55 per semester/2 bedroom These rooms are usually located on the top floor (often a six-story walkup) of Parisian buildings in bourgeois neighborhoods and are equipped with a shower, hot plate, small refrigerator and basic utensils. For the least expensive IR options, toilets (WC) are often located in the hall and are shared with other tenants on the same floor. The attractive price of these rooms makes them a good option for students on a tight budget. Chambre de bonne at the top of a Parisian building Average Utilities €200 per semester/studio €400 per semester/2 bedroom IR: Independent Room, RA: Room in Appartment, RA/DP: Room in Appartment - Half Board, FH: French House, ST: Studio, APP: Appartment Although it is up to the students to decide which type of housing they prefer, the Housing Office recommends that new students think about spending at least one semester or the first year in a room in a French household (RA). This experience provides more of an insight into French culture and a more natural introduction to the French language. It also eliminates the necessity of opening utility accounts and sometimes subscribing to the Internet. Percentages of Students per Arrondissement “My chambre de bonne has become my home away from home. It is small but cozy and the view from the top never ceases to amaze me.” Susanne Spahn - AUP Senior The higher priced independent rooms may be larger, have a toilet inside the room and be accessed by an elevator. In an independent room, you should plan to provide your own bed and bath linens, but a pillow and blanket are usually provided. Any items you will need for your room can be easily purchased in Paris, and you will be given suggestions for where to find such things during Orientation. (based on a sample of 773 students) Rent: 450-650€ Utilities, Internet and phone are usually extra. Electricity and heat charges for a typical independent room cost approximately 50€ per month, but vary seasonally. While 30% of AUP students are housed in the 7th arrondissement, our students find accommodations throughout the city. 10 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide Prices vary depending on the neighborhood, the size of the room, whether the toilet is inside the room or in the hall (shared), whether the shower is inside the room or in the hall (shared) and whether or not there is an elevator. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 11 Types of Housing Types of Housing RA - Room in a French (or American) Household ST - Studios The definition of a “host family” will vary. It may be a retired couple, a widow, a single professional, or a traditional family with children. The rooms that host families rent are generally larger and more comfortable than independent rooms. Students have access to the family’s kitchen in order to prepare meals and they may have a private bathroom or share the family bathroom. If you choose to live with a family, bed linens are provided, but plan to bring or purchase your own towels. When living in a homestay, you should not expect to have overnight guests, including your family members. A studio is larger than an independent room (20 square meters or 215 square feet and up) and both the bathroom and WC are usually inside the studio. Studios can be found on any floor of a building. In some homestays, there will be a great deal of interaction with the family, but in others you may be quite independent. You should discuss your preference with a Housing Advisor during your interview at Orientation. If you are interested in improving your language skills or in learning about French culture, a homestay is an ideal choice. APP - Apartments The Housing Office has a limited supply of apartments available which we reserve for returning students or roommate situations. They are mostly one-bedroom apartments although we occasionally have a listing for a two-bedroom apartment. Rent: 550-700€ without the meal plan (pro-rated for the first and last month). All utilities, except the phone, are included. FH - French House Located in the heart of Paris in the historic Marais district, the French House is a spacious four-bedroom apartment on the 4th floor of an 18th century building. RA/DP - (Demi-pension) Single Room in a Household with Meal Plan This option is identical to the arrangement described above, but includes two or three evening meals per week plus daily, continental-style breakfasts. The meal plan is an excellent choice if you are interested in having more contact with your host family and improving your French. If you are a vegetarian, you should not choose this option, as meat is a staple of French cuisine. Please note that availability of the meal plan is relatively limited. If you choose to live with a family, bed linens are provided, but plan to bring or purchase your own towels. Any items you will need for your room can be easily purchased in Paris, and you will be given suggestions for where to find such things during Orientation. Rent: 700-850€ (pro-rated for the first and last month). All utilities, except the phone, are included. Six female freshman AUP students are housed in three bedrooms equipped for double occupancy. The sunny living room, dining room, balconies, kitchen, and bathroom are communal. The Student Resident, a female graduate student, occupies the 4th bedroom and is there to help solve problems and to see that everything runs smoothly. This secure building has a concierge, but no elevator. Rent: 650€ including all utilities, (wifi, and cable television) except telephone. A one-month security deposit is required. “The French House is a fun, amazing and convenient place to live and experience Paris. Although it is spacious, it has the old charm of Paris architecture so you get the feeling of what it is really like to live in the city of light. The location is great because it is walking distance from the Louvre or Bastille, close to the Seine and Pompidou and near great restaurants and stores.” Crystal Green - AUP Grad Student & French House Resident Advisor 12 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 13 Moving In: Before Unpacking Moving In: Before Unpacking When you meet with your landlord or host family to get the keys and move in, be sure to bring along rental and security deposit receipts and the walkthrough état des lieux forms, all of which can be downloaded from the Housing section of MyAUP. Note that there are four different walkthrough forms, depending on the type of housing you choose: apartment, studio, independent room or homestay (see pages 34 - 35 ). Collecting Your Keys First Month’s Rent and Security Deposit Once you’ve paid your rent and security deposit and completed your housing walkthrough, your landlord will give you a set of keys, which may include a key for the front door, your apartment door and the mailbox. Whichever housing option you choose, expect to pay a one-month security deposit and your first month’s rent before moving in to your new place. Students staying at AUP for more than one semester: Plan on pre-opening a bank account through AUP if you don’t already have one in Paris to cover your initial housing expenses. Do not rely on your ATM card as there is usually a daily or weekly limit on withdrawals from an ATM machine. Visiting students may want to arrive in Paris with traveler’s checks to pay the first month’s rent and deposit. Note, however, that there is almost always a commission charged when converting these to cash, even if they are in euros. Keys are very expensive in France, so be careful not to lose them. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred if they are lost or stolen. Your Housing Insurance covers key replacement in case of theft. Note that there is a 75€ deductible in this case . See page 23 for more information about housing insurance. If you lose your keys on a weekend or late at night, do NOT call an emergency (dépannage) locksmith. Emergency locksmiths are so expensive that you would be better off going to a hotel or staying with a friend. A complete list of electricians, plumbers and locksmiths is available in the Housing section of MyAUP and at the back of this guide. A rental receipt should be signed by your landlord every time you pay rent, including your first month’s rent. Also have your landlord sign a receipt for your security deposit before you move in. Keep these receipts in a safe place – you may need them if there is a misunderstanding about rental payment! Interacting with Your Landlord Housing Walkthroughs or Etat des Lieux One of the most frequent problems students report to the Housing Office is difficulty recovering security deposits upon departure. In order for us to defend you in case of a conflict regarding your deposit, YOU MUST FILL OUT THE HOUSING WALKTHROUGH BEFORE MOVING IN AND UPON MOVING OUT. Be sure to keep this in a safe place. Keep these tips in mind when filling out the walkthrough: • Under French law, visible plumbing repairs are the responsibility of the tenant. It’s essential to check whether everything is in working order when you move in. Make sure that the toilet flushes and that the sink and shower drain properly. • Note any stains or damage to carpets, floors, walls, furniture, etc. • If you have a camera, take pictures of the apartment when you move in. • Be meticulous – when the walkthrough is completed properly, it will help support your claims regarding the state of the housing when you moved in. • Take the electricity meter reading. Once completed, the form should be signed by you and by your landlord and each of you should keep a copy. You will use this document when you move out, so keep it in a safe place. Be sure to note down your landlord’s name, telephone number and e-mail in a convenient place in case you need this information later in the semester. If your landlord or a representative is not available when you move in, it is still essential to fill out the walkthrough form and send him/her a photocopy. 14 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide Students should keep in mind that communicating with their landlords and with the Housing Office when they are in doubt can mean the difference between a good housing experience and a less than positive experience. Even if you don’t feel comfortable speaking French, your landlord will appreciate your attempt. The Housing Office can help translate and explain misunderstandings. If you are encountering difficulty with any aspect of your housing, please talk to us about it rather than hoping it will go away. If you have the opportunity to see your landlord on a regular basis, try to engage him/her in conversation. The French are very proud of their culture and their language and if you show an interest, they will appreciate it. Such “non-touristic” exchanges can be a very valuable learning experience for both of you. When living with a French family, try to intuit the rhythm of the new household in which you are living. Make an effort to adapt yourself to it. In the beginning of your stay, although your landlord will try to help you learn the ropes, you are still a stranger. You need to learn to be comfortable with each other. Once that happens, your landlord may be willing to share more with you. Many longterm intercultural relationships have been established in this way. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 15 10 Tips on Paying Your Monthly Rent Settling In for the Semester 1. By paying your rent on time, you will ensure that you maintain a good relationship with your landlord. 2. Rent should be paid as close as possible to the first of each month. After you’ve paid your rent and security deposit, completed your housing walkthrough and collected your keys, it’s time to start getting settled into your new place. The Student Government Association organizes a trip to Ikea at the start of each semester to help students pick out small pieces of furniture and other decorative items. Student Affairs and Student Advisors can provide tips during Orientation for other places to shop for items you might need for your place. 3. If, for unforeseeable reasons, you are unable to pay your rent on time, you should contact the Housing Office so that we can talk to your landlord. “Lying low” will only make your landlord more anxious. 4. As stipulated in AUP Housing Regulations (see page 5), grades and transcripts can be blocked if housing debts are incurred. 5. If you are planning to be away for several days or longer and will not be available to pay your rent on the first of the month (i.e. Winter or Spring Break), make arrangements for your rent to be paid before you leave. 6. For students living in an apartment with a host family, the first and last month’s rent will be pro-rated. However, you will be expected to pay rent during vacations or weekends when you are away traveling. 7. To calculate pro-rated rent, you should divide your rent by the number of days in the month and then multiply that amount by the number of nights you will be staying. 8. For students who are renting rooms, studios or apartments, if you move into your housing in the middle of the month, the Housing Office can usually negotiate a reduction in rent for that month. 9. For the last month of your stay, the entire month’s rent will be due, even if you are leaving in the middle of the month. 10. The security deposit can never be used as a substitute for the last month’s rent. 16 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide Many students will also need to invest some time and money into getting utilities and Internet connections set up at the start of the semester. Student Affairs provides a list of frequently asked questions regarding both utilities and the Internet, both available on MyAUP and in the Student Affairs Office. Also read the tips below for help with both topics… Utilities If you are living in an independent room, studio or apartment, plan on paying extra for electricity, and in some cases, gas. The amount will vary according to the size of your place and how careful you are about your electricity consumption. For an independent room, the average monthly electricity bill should be approximately 50€ (if there is electric heat). When you go to class or go away for the weekend, be sure to close the windows and turn down the heat. Some landlords will keep the electricity in their own name and others will ask you to put the contract in your name. If you need to put the contract in your name, the landlord should help you with this process. If the contract remains in the name of the landlord, you may pay a monthly advance on your estimated consumption of electricity or you may pay each time the landlord receives a bill. You should also make a note of the kilowatt units on the electricity meter on your walkthrough when you move in. You can use this number to calculate the amount of electricity you consume. Internet Internet accessibility varies in Paris. Generally, you can subscribe to an Internet contract if there is a telephone line. More information about telephones and Internet will be available at Orientation. A one-year commitment is often necessary, so it is not advisable for visiting students to open an Internet account. See Student Affairs for more information. Things Can Happen While most rental experiences are happy and uneventful, leaks, key losses and other inconveniences or disasters can occur. See the end of this brochure for more on AUP Housing Insurance and what to do in case of various emergency situations (see pages 23 - 27). AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 17 Avenue Bosquet - Paris 7ème “Housing is a student’s main priority and can seem like a daunting process first time around, but with AUP housing the search is made easier. There is something to suit everyone’s needs and with the Housing Office’s help you will be housed by the end of the Orientation week” Maria Hertz - AUP Senior Roommates For financial or sentimental reasons, students at AUP sometimes want to live with another person. It is best to consider the issue completely before engaging in a roommate situation. The Housing Office recommends that first-year students opt for a homestay or independant room for their first housing experience. These options are more condusive to establishing good study habits, meeting a large group of friends and getting more involved in student activities. Want to live with a roommate? The Housing Office recommends: • • • • • Establish clear payment receipts from the very beginning. Write down who paid how much of the security deposit. Maintain separate written receipts for rent payment – even if one roommate pays a full month, or writes the check and receives cash from another. Keep a written record of what each partner has paid. If utilities are shared, each partner should keep an individual inventory sheet. Organize the departure so that everyone receives their share of the returned security deposit. The French have a saying that “good accounting makes for good friendship.” Please leave nothing to chance when sharing your housing with someone. Each roommate can be held responsible for the total rent (and damages) at the end of the lease period, even if two or more people have signed the lease. The person named on the lease is the sole party legally allowed to inhabit the apartment. If you are subletting a room, make certain the landlord agrees to the situation. The AUP Housing regulations stipulate that roommates stay in their situation for an entire semester. In addition to their music tastes, consider how a potential roommate squeezes the toothpaste, whether they are an early bird or a night owl and if they work at home or in the library. Make certain you can study as well as live every day with your chosen roommate, through thick and thin, through end of term papers and exam period as well as holidays. Should a conflict arise, don’t be afraid to discuss the issue with your roommate as soon as possible. Problems don’t usually disappear on their own! Sharing a living space is a great way to pool resources and enjoy your time in Paris, but be sure to consider all aspects of the situation before entering into a co-location. Champ de Mars - Paris 7ème 20 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 21 Returning Students: What You Need to Know about Housing AUP Housing Insurance Returning students are welcome to come to the Housing Office to look at our offers. A friend cannot choose a place for you and we cannot assign housing by email or telephone – you must visit the place yourself. All renters in France are required to carry a rental insurance policy (assurance multirisque habitation). AUP has negotiated a student group policy with Generali France, which is handled by the Carene Agency, 53 rue d’Hauteville, 75010 Paris. The policy is called Multirisques Etudiants and the policy number # 66 080 177/E. The best time to look for a new place is about one month before the end of a semester. Students who find their housing through the AUP Housing Office are automatically covered and the premiums are charged to the student’s AUP account. Students who have found housing on their own are welcome to subscribe to this policy by making a request to the Bursar’s office. Before arranging a housing visit you must have given your current AUP landlord one month’s notice. It is preferable to find your new housing BEFORE you leave for the semester break. The Housing Office concentrates on Orientation training and preparation the week before the arrival of the new students. There is reduced staff in August and the office is closed for the holidays (usually from the 24th of December until the 2nd of January). If you are returning to AUP after a semester abroad or a winter/summer break, you can make an appointment to find your housing during Orientation week by sending an e-mail to: Cost of Housing Insurance Per Semester One Room/Studio - 33€ Out of consideration to other students, only one visit at a time may be scheduled. Students should not call landlords directly appointments must be made by a member of the Housing Office staff. Following your visit, it is important to report back to the Housing Office as quickly as possible to let us know whether or not you accept the offer. You will be given a security deposit form, rent receipt forms and walkthrough forms and asked to sign your housing visit form. It is a violation of Housing Rules and Regulations to “pass on” your place to a friend without informing the Housing Office. Once you have found a place, you should pay the security deposit in advance. If the landlord has not received any payment, he/ she may go ahead and rent it to someone else. Also, if you have reserved a place months in advance, be sure to be in touch with your future landlord so that he/she knows the exact date of your return. Two-Bed Apartment - 55€ The student policy covers the following: Type Maximum Covered Deductible Fire Damage Depends on number of rooms None Theft - Lost or Stolen Keys 1253.00€ 75€ Theft - Attempted Break-in 1800.00€ 75€ Theft - Personal Theft 580.00€ None Theft - Cash 350.00€ None Theft - Cost of Replacing Passport 600.00€ None Theft - Credit Card or Check Fraud 1200.00€ None Water Damage Depends on number of rooms None Electronic Equipment (Computer, etc) 6238.00€ 75€ Electrical Damage 10000.00€ None Personal Assistance Contact Europe Assistance None Broken Glass Unlimited None Third-Party Private Liability Depends on third-party coverage None Legal Costs 9328.00€ None Costs Incurred to the Landlord Total of valid receipts None housing@aup.fr or by calling us at: 01 40 62 05 97/99. It is advisable to be present the first day of Orientation. The earlier you return, the better! Unfortunately, temporary accommodations at the FIAP are only provided for new students, so you may have to book a hotel room or stay with a friend until you find your housing. In most cases, the Housing Office can find you a place to rent within 48 hours. One-Bed Apartment - 45€ Housing Insurance Essentials Policy Information Generali France Policy Name - Multirisques Etudiants Policy Number - 66 080 177/E. Local Agency Emergency Information Generali France Carene Assurances 53 rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris Tel: 01 49 95 26 79 Fax: 01 49 95 06 00 Europe Assistance # 01 41 85 86 69 After pick-up, push 3 after listed choices. Ask for an English speaking agent (not always available). See next pages for more details on emergencies. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 23 What to Do in an Emergency What to Do in an Emergency SOS Housing Problems: Remember You Are Not Alone Please contact the Housing Office for assistance filling out a claim or for a review of your claim before you mail it. You should also ask the Housing Office to review all forms related to insurance that you receive at your apartment after an incident and throughout the semester. While most students never have to worry about the following emergency scenarios, all AUP students should be aware of these risks and ready to react if ever necessary. Browse through the following pages now and take the time to read the helpful prevention tips. Claims should be sent to the following address by registered mail: CARENE ASSURANCES 53 rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris WARNING: Problems sometimes arise during the weekend or on a holiday when the Housing Office is closed and the neighborhood plumber or locksmith is not available. The emergency “depannage” services often take advantage of this situation and charge exorbitant fees for “off-hour” work. Depending on the situation, it can be less expensive for you to spend the night in a hotel (or stay with a friend) and wait for a regular worker on Monday morning, than to pay extra for these emergency services. Remember to keep a copy of all documents for yourself and to send a copy of all documents to your landlord. Any third parties should also keep a copy of documents signed mutually. Be aware that your claim may be refused and, if accepted, may have a deductible amount (see page 23). Remember that you are not alone if one of the following emergency situations does arise. Every year the Housing Office and The Office of Student Affairs assist a small number of students with unexpected crises, most commonly as a result of water damage, lost or stolen keys and damaged property. In addition, Europe Assistance provides emergency, 24/7 assistance for all students who subscribe to AUP Housing Insurance: 01 41 85 86 69 How to File Insurance Claims In any case where you seek reimbursement from Generali France, you are responsible for filing a claim. All claims must be dated and signed by you and anyone else concerned. Claims must include your name, student ID number, a return address and your insurance policy number (see template to the right, available at MyAUP). Depending on the nature of the claim, the letter you write (always in French) should include specific information and accompanying documents: Water damage: The claim must be sent within five days of the damage occurring. Include with the letter the following attachments: 1) the name and contact information of your building manager, 2) the name of any other parties concerned along with their insurance and contact information, 3) a description of how the water damage started and the damage done, 4) any bills or estimates of property value and damage done (if not ready, receipts will need to be sent subsequently). Stolen or lost keys, theft, burglary: The claim must be sent within 48 hours of the loss. Include with the letter 1) A police report (see The Office of Student Affairs for assistance and the address of the closest commissariat de police), 2) an explanation of how the theft or loss occurred, 3) any bills or estimates, including estimates to replace a door or change keys and an estimate of the value of lost, damaged or stolen property (if not ready, receipts will need to be sent subsequently). 24 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide If you have any questions, you can contact the Dedeyan Carene Assurance directly at: 01 49 95 00 00 or fax them at 01 49 95 06 00 Claim Template Fire Damage According to Generali France, a fire occurs every two minutes in France resulting in more than 100,000 victims each year. A simple flame can become an uncontrolable fire in less than four minutes! Most domestic fires are due to carelessness or negligence. Fire Prevention Tips Here are a few simple rules to keep in minde to avoid a fire: • Don’t leave pots and pans simmering on the stove unattended. • Don’t put cleaning products and other flammable items next to radiators. • Don’t put anything on top of your TV. • Put out your cigarettes before you go to bed and never smoke in bed. • Don’t every throw the contents of an ashtray in a trash bag right after smoking. • Don’t leave your electrical devices on “sleep mode.” • Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. What to Do If a Fire Starts 1. If the fire starts at your place: Evacuate the apartment!; close all doors on your way out and don’t try to bring anything with you; once safely outside, call 18 from a fixed line or 112 from your cell phone for the pompiers. 2. If the fire starts above your apartment: follow the rules above. 3. If the fire starts below your place or on your floor: close the doors and put wet towels at their bases; go to your window to call for help; If there is smoke, lie on the ground and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth. 4. In all cases, never take the elevator to leave the building! 5. Should you try to stop the fire yourself? If you see flames but no smoke, you can try to put it out. If you see smoke but no flames, get out of the building! Who Can Help? • • • • Pompiers - Dial 118 from a fixed line or 112 from your cell phone Europe Assistance 24/7: 01 41 85 86 69. The Housing Office The Office of Student Affairs ! AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 25 What to Do in an Emergency What to Do in an Emergency Water Damage Theft, Burglary or Lost Items According to Generali France, there are as many as one million cases of water damage in homes across France annually! Needless to say, at least a few AUP students are usually faced with this problem each year, too. While Paris is a relatively safe city, theft is actually more common than you might guess. To keep both yourself and your belongings safe, keep some of the following simple rules in mind. If you are robbed or lose the keys to your apartment, be ready to react quickly and remember that The Housing Office and Student Affairs are available to provide assistance. The reasons for water damage can vary, but often involve a washing machine spilling over, a window left open or a pipe leaking. Theft Prevention Tips • Always close your windows and lock your door when you leave your apartment. • Do not put your address on your key chain in case your keys are lost or stolen. • Always ask for ID when someone comes to your place to provide a service (EDF, Internet installation, etc.). • If you have a mailbox, empty your mail regularly. Mail that piles up may be a sign that you are away. The financial consequences can be quite costly, both in terms of damaged furniture and belongings, as well as the structure of the apartment itself. Water Damage Prevention Tips Here are a few tips to avoid water damage where you live: • Check your water pipes from time to time to make sure they are not leaking. • If possible, turn the source of water off when you are away on vacaton. • Close all windows before you leave your place; you never know when the weather might change! • Don’t leave a washing machine running when you are not home. What to Do After a Robbery 1. Cancel all stolen credit cards and block any phone subscriptions. 2. Contact the commissariat de police within 48 hours of the incident. You’ll need to file an official complaint and get a copy to include with your insurance claim. Contact Student Affairs if you are not sure how to do this. 3. Send a signed statement to your insurance company within 48 hours with the following information: your contract number; the date, hour and circumstances of the theft (how did the person break in); the police report; any statements from witnesses if there were any; an estimate of the value of what was stolen as accurate and detailed as possible. 4. Send supporting documents indicating the value of stolen or damaged property (receipts); bills or estimates for repair of damage to the apartment (NO LATER THAN 15 DAYS AFTER THE THEFT). 5. Keep all damaged property. It may need to be examined by an expert to determine value. 6. To prove the existence or value of items, the following will be useful for your claim: receipts, warranties, notarized documents, check stubs proving the purchase of items (only accepted with other proof), etc. What to Do After an Incident 1. Identify the source of the damage: your own apartment, a neighbor’s apartment or something in the hallway or a shared part of the building. 2. Shut off the source of water if possible. 3. If your place is flooded, call a plumber or the pompiers for help with the immediate problem (see below for useful numbers). 4. Let your appartment dry; never throw away damaged objects before an insurance expert can look at them, including damaged carpets. Who Can Help? • • • • • 26 Europe Assistance 24/7: 01 41 85 86 69. Remember to have your policy number ready before calling (see page 23). Note that the insurance may decide to send a plumber and will pay for the visit, but the student is responsible for the parts and labor. Plumber Near AUP: ENT M Harand 21 rue Amélie, 75007 Paris Phone: 01 47 05 47 40 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide • The Housing Office • The Office of Student Affairs Special Case: sanibroyeurs • Aquassistances: 01 58 62 54 70. Particularly helpful with sanibroyeurs (electric toilets). Be aware that a plumber cannot always fix these; sometimes a specialist is required. Repairs are rarely, if ever, covered by insurance. See the Housing Office for more information. ! Who Can Help? • • • • Commissaire de Police UPQ Gros Caillou 6 rue Amélie 75007 Paris Téléphone : 01 44 18 66 10 • • Europe Assistance 24/7: 01 41 85 86 69. Insurance can send a locksmith to your apartment and will cover the charge for the visit, but not the price for parts and labor. • • • • • Locksmith near AUP: CLE Quick Serrurerie Letteliere & Fils 16 rue du Champs de Mars 75007 Paris Phone : 01 45 51 82 86 • The Housing Office • The Office of Student Affairs ! AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 27 Already Time to Move Out? Timing is everything when it comes to a smooth departure from your rental place. Be sure to start thinking about all of the paperwork and necessary notifications well ahead of the actual date you intend to move. To help plan your departure, keep the following timeline in mind: Two Months or More Before Departure When the idea of moving first occurs to you, check any contracts for Internet and/or cable TV, etc., that you would like to discontinue. Be sure of the exact amount of advance notice you need to provide. Com Avenue has examples of appropriate letters to cancel service. See Student Affairs for more information. One Month Before Your Departure Give your landlord one month’s notice!!!!! If you found your independent room, studio, apartment or homestay through the AUP Housing Office and intend to move out at the end of the semester, remember that you must give your landlord one month written notice to ensure that you recover your deposit. If you have signed a lease with your landlord, be sure to check to see how many months notice are required. In the Fall, your notice should be submitted by Nov. 30. If you wait until after this, you may either lose your deposit or be expected to stay at the same place during the spring semester. In the spring, you should either send your letter or speak with the landlord about leaving or staying over the summer no later than the end of April. If you stay over the summer, you will need to give notice at the end of July. To help you with the moving-out procedure, you can download a model of the “Move-Out Letter” from MyAUP. You need to recopy this letter in your own handwriting and send it to your landlord or landlady by registered mail (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception). If you are living with a family, it is also important to let them know one month in advance the date on which you plan to move out, but you can tell them orally. Moving Out Two Weeks Before Your Departure • Change your mailing address at your bank so that you will continue to receive your account and credit statements. • Contact the utility companies (EDF/electricity, GDF/gas) to arrange for final meter readings to be taken. Note that you will be charged for this service. • You will also need to back this action up with a registered letter to the utility companies, and any other service providers (e.g.: telephone, cable and/or Internet) with whom you have a contract, to request that your name be taken off the bill as of the day you move out. Be sure to provide them with your new address. See the Housing section of MyAUP for sample termination letters. • Make an appointment with your landlord for a date as close as possible to your departure to review the walkthrough which you filled out when you moved in. The Week You Move • Pack everything you own and intend to take with you. • Get everything which doesn’t belong to the landlord and which isn’t going into your suitcase OUT of the room. Be sure to leave all objects and furniture that belong to the landlord where you found them when you moved in. • Eat and/or use, give or throw away all leftover ketchup, cornflakes, bits and dabs of shampoo, etc. • Return library books and remove all other books, paper, clothing, etc. Final Departure Word to the wise: if there are any leaks, breakage or other problems that need fixing in your rental space, it’s never too late to report them to your landlord. Although leaks should be taken care of immediately (insurance reports need to be filled out within five days of a leak) – the sooner you deal with them, the less damage there will be. You will also avert the unpleasant situation of leaving your landlord with a bad surprise. (See page 26 for more information about plumbing and leaks.) 28 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide WALKTHROUGH – ETAT DES LIEUX: As close as possible to the date of your departure, you must meet with your landlord at your place to do a walkthrough. At the same time, do not plan on filling this form out just before leaving Paris. You may need a day or two after meeting with your landlord and reviewing the walkthrough together to solve disputes or settle payment. If your landlord or a representative is not available when you move out, it is still essential to fill out the walkthrough form and send him/her a photocopy. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 29 Resolving Housing Conflicts Occasionally conflicts arise between students and landlords. The most frequent housing issues concern security deposits, untimely departures, behavior problems (i.e. excessive noise, alcohol misuse) and late payment or nonpayment of rent. Housing Deposits Resolving Housing Conflicts Untimely Departure Remember that students using the AUP Housing Office services must make a onesemester commitment to their housing choice. There must be a very serious reason for leaving before the end of a semester. Premature departure could lead to a loss of the security deposit and ineligibility to use the services of the Housing Office in the future. In France, landlords have two months to return the security deposit following the departure of a tenant. The Housing Office requests that our landlords return the deposit as quickly as possible. In order to recover your security deposit, the place you have rented must be left in the condition in which you found it. If your état des lieux (walkthrough) has been properly filled out, you will have proof that any previously existing stains or damages were not caused by you. If your place is dirty – i.e. microwave, fridge oven, shower have not been cleaned – or if anything is broken, you could be charged a fee. Money can also be withheld for outstanding electricity consumption. If you disagree with your landlord about the amount withheld, the Housing Office staff will intervene for you to try to resolve the problem. if you have kept your electricity meter readings, your usage can easily be calculated. EDF sends bills every other month. Late Payment or Non-Payment of Rent If you are having problems paying your rent on time or anticipate having problems paying your rent on time, it is important that you communicate with your landlord and/or with the Housing Office. The worst thing you can do is to avoid telephone calls or messages from your landlord or the AUP Housing Office. If there is a good reason why you have been unable to access funds to pay your rent and the landlord is notified in advance, an understanding can usually be reached. If a student accumulates an excessive housing debt, his/her grades and transcripts will be blocked until the debt has been cleared. Excessive Noise/Unacceptable Behavior It is important that students housed by AUP abide by French law as well as the Rules and Regulations of the Housing Office. You should be aware of how your behavior affects others and show respect for your neighbors. In France, it is against the law to cause excessive noise after 10 p.m. Be careful of loud conversations even on the phone. Keep the volume of your music or television at a reasonable level and use earphones if you want to listen late at night. Plumbing in French buildings can also be noisy – it is a good idea to avoid taking showers or baths at midnight. If you repeatedly disturb your neighbors, they may call the police or petition for you to be evicted. Disruptive behavior will lead to forfeiting of any rights to use the AUP housing services. As stipulated in the AUP Code of Conduct, use or possession of any substance classified as a narcotic by French law is prohibited and will result in eviction from your housing. Misuse of alcohol is also prohibited. 30 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide Landlord at Fault or Disagreement with Housing Office There are times when there is no easy answer to a housing conflict between a student and a landlord. If a student feels that he/she has been treated unfairly by a landlord or by the Housing Office, a written request for formal mediation should be submitted to the Dean of Student Services. The request for formal mediation should include your name, student ID, address, telephone number as well as the landlord’s name and telephone number and a description of the problem. Once completed, the request can be submitted directly to Marc Monthéard, Dean of Student Services. AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 31 FAQ CAF How much should I budget for utilities? Water bills are usually included in your rent. The electricity bill will vary according to whether you have electric heat and hot water and it will also depend on the size of your place and on how careful you are about your electricity consumption. The electric bill for a small independent room averages 50€ per month. Utlilities are included if you live with a family. Considering the CAF: Are You Eligible and Is it Worth It? AUP students, even if they are not French, may be entitled to receive a French housing subsidy called the CAF (Caisse d’allocations familiales). To apply, students must provide a French lease with their name on it and must pay rent directly to their landlords (as opposed to parents paying the rent, for example). Check with the Housing Advisors at Orientation regarding the type of contract you sign and whether or not you are eligible to apply for the CAF. Does the Housing Office have apartments which can be shared by three or four students? Large apartments which can be shared are in great demand by AUP upperclassmen and, unfortunately, are in short supply. The Housing Office often has one-bedroom apartments for rent, but a two-bedroom apartment is a rarity. It is more reasonable to try to find a place to share with one friend than with several. Can I stay on in my apartment through the summer? In most cases, your landlord will be happy to have you stay on through the summer, but you should check with him/her well in advance. The length of time your place is available should be specified on the Housing Offer Form. Can I find a place within walking distance of AUP? Two-thirds of AUP housing is located outside of the 7th arrondissement and requires a short commute by metro or bus. Many upperclassmen prefer to find housing in a neighborhood further from AUP so that they can experience a different side of Paris. When should I give notice that I am moving out? Send a written notice to your landlord one month before moving out. The Housing Office can provide you with a model letter which you should recopy with the appropriate information. (Don’t just fill in the blanks!) See MyAUP: Move-out letter. Notice must be given by Nov. 30 or you may be expected to stay in the same place during the spring semester (April 30 for the Spring). When is it a good time to start searching for housing? If you are a returning student, the best time to start looking for housing is one month before the end of the semester. There is no use looking for housing months in advance, because the Housing Office will not know what will be available for the next session. Note that if you are not eligible to apply for the CAF it is probably because you are paying a lower rent and will not be expected to pay rental taxes (taxe d’habitation). Students who receive the CAF usually pay yearly rental taxes equivalent to a little less than one month’s rent. Because CAF benefits are allocated in an arbitrary fashion, AUP students should not count on receiving this allowance when determining their rental budget for the year. Visiting students, who usually do not have French bank accounts and are here for short stays, should not apply for the CAF. Applying for the CAF If you are eligible and do decide to apply for the CAF, the application form can be downloaded from the following site: www.caf.fr/wps/portal/particuliers/formularies/metropole/al Before filling in your application, make sure you have the following information: • exact address of your apartment • your resources (amount of your grant, amount paid to you by your parents, salaries earned, etc.) • bank details (RIB - relevé d’identité bancaire) • French Social Security number • e-mail address After you fill out the dossier online, you must print it out and send it back to the CAF with the following supporting documents: Does the Housing Office close during the summer? The Housing Office is open throughout the academic year, including Summer Session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that the Housing Office does not house students who arrive prior to Orientation I’ll be leaving in the middle of the month of May (or December). Do I have to pay the entire month’s rent? If you move into your housing in the middle of the month, the Housing Office will negotiate a lower rent for that month. However, the last month of your stay, the entire rent is due, even if you plan to leave before the end of the month. Can I use the security deposit to pay my last month’s rent? The purpose of the security deposit is to pay for potential damages or necessary cleaning costs. Therefore, the security deposit cannot serve as the last month’s rent and will not be returned until you have done a walkthrough with the landlord. Outstanding utility bills may also be deducted from the deposit. I have a dog. Can I be housed by AUP? Sorry, the Housing Office cannot house pets. Students who violate this rule will lose their security deposits. Can I live with a friend who’s not a student at AUP? No. AUP housing is strictly reserved for current students AUP. I live in a homestay and I want to have a friend come to stay for a while. Is this OK? As a general rule, students are not allowed to have guests in their homestay without the permission of the family. It is better that your friends and family make their own housing arrangements unless the host family does not mind. 32 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide • • • • • • • attestation de loyer: Must be filled out by your landlord or real estate agency déclaration de resources: Stating income earned in France. If you have no earned income in France, you should draw a diagonal line across the form, but be sure to fill in your name, address and date of birth at the top of the form income tax return for the previous year if you have earned income in France photocopy of your ID card or passport photocopy of your visa/residence permit RIB. Any subsidies will be deposited directly to your bank account* photocopy of your rent receipts *You will most likely want to receive the subsidy directly in your own bank account, so do not fill out the form demande de versement direct. This form is a request for the subsidy to be deposited in your landlord’s account with the assumption that it would be deducted from your rent. CAF Awards It can take up two months to receive a reply from the CAF, but if your request is accepted, you will be paid retroactively up to three months, except for the first month’s rent. The amount of the monthly subsidy depends on a number of factors: your age, the location and size of your apartment, your previous income, your current income and the amount of rent you pay. Please contact the Housing Office with any questions about the CAF or for help filling out your CAF form (an appointment will be necessary). AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 33 Review of Essential Housing Forms Security Deposit Review of Essential Housing Forms Rental Receipt QUITTANCE DE LOYER - Moving Out Letter This is a model letter to be copied in the student’s own hand. The blanks are to be filled in with the appropriate information. It should be sent to the landlord by registered mail at least one month before planned departure. RENTAL RECEIPT Période du _____________________________ au_______________________ Reçu de l’étudiant(e )________________________________________________ MOVING OUT LETTER The following letter should be recopied by you and the blanks should be filled in with appropriate information. The letter should then be sent to your landlord by registered mail at least one month before your planned departure. Your name: ___________________ Your address: _____________________________ _____________________________ A Paris, le ___________________________ En règlement du loyer du logement situé : Your landlord’s name and address: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ La somme de _____________________________ Lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception Objet: Congé Fait à Paris, le _______________________________________ Monsieur (or Madame), J’ai l’honneur de vous donner congé pour le (date) __________________ de la chambre, (or du studio, or de l’appartement), que j’occupe à (adresse)___________________________ Je me tiens à votre disposition pour établir un état des lieux si vous le souhaitez, à l’occasion de la remise des clés. Nom de Baillleur Signature du Bailleur Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, (or Madame), l’assurance de mes salutations distinguées. This document should be signed by the landlord on payment of the security deposit. It should be kept in a safe place until the security deposit has been returned. This document should be signed by the landlord on payment of the monthly rent and kept as a record until the security deposit has been returned. YOUR SIGNATURE Walkthrough (état des lieux) Forms Insurance Claim Form This document is used for the walkthrough of the premises by the student and landlord. There are four types of walkthrough forms, all available on MyAUP: The claim form to the right must be completed and accompanied with supporting documents (see pages: 23 - 27 for more information). Do not hesitate to request assistance from the Housing Office if you need to fill out any housing insurance forms. • • • • Independent Room Studio Apartment Homestay Informations Etudiant Nom : Adresse : C P Ville : Tél : Souscripteur : THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY Contrat n° 660.801.77 Compagnie GENERALI Nom du propriétaire : __________________________________ __________________________________ CARENE ASSURANCES Service INDEMNISATIONS 53 RUE D’HAUTEVILLE 75010 PARIS Paris, le ____________________ Objet : Déclaration de sinistre Madame, Monsieur, Je viens, par la présente, vous déclarer un sinistre dont les caractéristiques figurent ci-dessous : Date de survenance : Adresse du sinistre : _________________________________________________________________________________ Nature : Dégâts des eaux Incendie Vol Effraction Perte/vol des clés Bris des glaces Autres (précisez) : ___________________________________ It is to be signed by both the student and landlord and will be a basis for comparing the state of the housing on arrival and at departure. It should be saved until the security deposit is returned. Circonstances : _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Nature des dommages : _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Je vous joins les documents suivants pour compléter mon dossier : Constat amiable dégâts des eaux Original du dépôt de plainte Copie de la facture de réparation de la fuite Inventaire des biens dérobés (+ la valeur unitaire) Devis de remise en état des dommages Rapport des pompiers Facture de remise en état des dommages (bris de glaces uniquement) Je vous remercie de bien vouloir transmettre les éléments à la compagnie, de m’accuser réception de la présente déclaration et de me tenir informé(e) des suites à donner. Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs. J’adresse une copie de cette déclaration au service administratif de l’université pour information. AUP and in the Housing Office 34 All forms are available on MyAUP and in the Housing Office AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide All forms are available on MyAUP and in the Housing Office All forms are available on MyAUP and in the Housing Office All forms are available on MyA AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide 35 Review of Essential Numbers Who to Contact When You Need a Helping Hand We have gathered below a list of technicians that The Housing Office considers reputable but who don’t necessarily speak English. You can find English-speaking technicians advertising their services at www.fusac.fr In all cases, be sure to get a written estimate for work you would like to have done. Electricians Locksmith Sani-Broyeur (Electric Toilet) Henri Berthelin 25 av La Motte Picquet 75007 Paris Tel: 01 47 05 84 92 Clé Quick, Serrurerie Lettelier & Fils 16 rue du Champ d Mars 75007 Paris Tel: 01 45 51 82 86 Aquassistances - 01 58 62 54 70 Mars Electrique (Dominique) 32, rue de Champs de Mars – 7e Tel: 01 45 51 59 34 / 06 83 97 19 80 Plumber Handyman Ent. M. Harand 21 rue Amélie 75007 Paris Tel: 01 47 05 47 40 Mover Rachid Ghezali - 06 71 11 76 01 Storage Une Pièce en Plus - 0800 403 405 www.unepieceenplus.com Deco-Zenith (Salah Belkheir) Tel: 06 22 35 59 25 http://pagesperso-orange.fr/decozenith Who to Contact When a Housing Emergency Arises Insurance Agency 24/7 Assistance Housing Office Student Affairs Generali France Carene Assurances 53 rue d’Hauteville 75010 Paris Tel: 01 49 95 26 79 Fax: 01 49 95 06 00 Europe Assistance: 01 41 85 86 69 After pick-up, push 3 after listed choices. Ask for an English speaking agent (not always available). 31 av Bosquet 75007 Paris Tel: 01 40 62 05 99/97 Fax: 01 47 05 33 49 31 av Bosquet 75007 Paris Tel: 01 40 62 06 43 Fax: 01 47 05 33 49 36 AUP Housing - The Ultimate Guide solution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Ins ergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Hos ying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintain The Housing Office Presents: od Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation tions Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Re dent Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Sit ubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent d Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationsh ur Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Movin ving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Informa sources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshoot nflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental T urance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Land mily Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out M ood Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientatio tions Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Re dent Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Sit ubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent d Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationsh ur Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Movin ving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Informa sources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshoot nflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Landlord or Host Family Paying Rent The CAF and Rental T urance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out Maintaining a Good Relationship with your Land mily Paying Rent The CAF and Rental Taxes Insurance Emergency Situations Troubleshooting and Conflict Resolution Returning Student Information Resources Orientation Rental Options Moving in and Moving Out M the Ultimate Guide to AUP Housing AUP Housing Office 31 avenue Bosquet 75007 Paris Tel: 01 40 62 05 99/97 Fax: 01 47 05 33 49