Tips for preparing for your move

While the procedures to find an apartment in Paris or in a neighboring area can be tedious, new tenants still have some formalities to complete in order to calmly prepare for the move.

Take care of your electricity, gas and water contracts

For safety reasons, gas and electricity meters are closed by the distribution network managers GRDF and ENEDIS. This also ensures energy suppliers and their customers that no consumption is made after the contract is cancelled during the move.

However, the time required to open your electricity, water and gas meter is on average five working days. These deadlines may be exceeded during major moving periods, such as during the first school months in August, September and January. So, to make sure you have plenty of energy when you arrive in your new apartment to move in, take a hot shower or put your first shopping in the fridge: it is advisable to take out contracts two weeks in advance.

For this, it is recommended to contact EDF Paris or an alternative supplier, since it has been possible to choose a supplier since 2007.

Carefully prepare your inventory for a move

Tenants have every interest in carrying out an inventory when entering the accommodation, since if it is not carried out, then the accommodation will be considered to have been rented in good condition and it will be impossible to turn against its lessor. So it is important to prepare it well. Since the ALUR law, the condition of the premises is better supervised, and the taking of photographs of the apartment is strongly encouraged. Indeed, there is nothing like photos as proof to attest to the condition of a home; since a written description is often too vague to concretely represent the condition of a floor, a window, a wall, a wall, a door or a property.

If the photos are sent by email, the lessor (or the tenant, depending on who takes the photos and who sends them) must respond and acknowledge receipt of the photos, mentioning the date the photos were taken and the property concerned (with the address and apartment number if necessary).

If the photos are printed, both parties will need to sign on the back of the photos and note the date they were taken.

Once the inventory is signed by both parties, it will be impossible to go back unless both parties agree. The return of the security deposit depends on it, which is why you must be sure that you have gone through the accommodation and that you agree on its condition before signing. Note that if the heaters do not work and the tenant only realizes this during the start of the heating period in autumn, it will be possible to request a modification of the condition of the premises accordingly. This is the only case where this is allowed, since it is considered normal not to have the reflex to turn on the heaters if you move in in spring or summer.

Block a parking space at the bottom of your apartment

If you have a car or van to help you move your belongings, it is possible to ask the town hall to block a parking space in front of the building you are leaving and in front of the building you are about to move into. Some town halls even lend equipment if needed. You may also be asked for a sum of money for parking, usually for half a day.