Furnished or Unfurnished: What Should You Choose in Paris?

In Paris, finding a flat is already an adventure.
But choosing between a furnished let and an unfurnished let is often an extra headache.

Some swear that a furnished let is absolute freedom: everything's ready, you just drop your bags and start living.
Others prefer unfurnished: stability, decorating to your own taste, a real sense of “home”.

So, who's right?
Spoiler: it depends on you, your lifestyle, and your plans.

At APPARTE, we support tenants every day who are torn between the two options.
And we know from experience: making the right choice is what makes all the difference in a successful tenancy.

Here's our complete guide to understanding the differences, the pros, the pitfalls to avoid, and above all…
how to work out which option really suits you.

Furnished lets: the turnkey solution for working professionals

This is the classic choice for newcomers to Paris, young professionals, expatriates or people relocating for work.
A furnished let means ease: everything is already in place.

Under French law, a furnished property must include at least 11 mandatory items, including:

• a bed,
• a table and chairs,
• a hob,
• a fridge,
• storage units,
• crockery, etc.

In short: all you have to do is drop your bags.

Advantages:

• No need to invest in furniture.
• Ideal for short or medium stays (6 to 12 months).
• Easier to end the lease (1-month notice period).
• Perfect for people in transition: relocation, internship, fixed-term contract, moving abroad.

Drawbacks:

• Rent is often 10 to 20% higher.
• The furniture style isn't always to your taste.
• Less sense of putting down roots if you're looking to settle long term.

Looking for a quick, flexible, hassle-free solution? APPARTE will find you a furnished flat that suits you.

Unfurnished lets: stability and the freedom to make it your own

An unfurnished let is the classic, long-term option.
It suits those who want to settle down, create a genuine “home”, and stay for several years.

The lease (bail) is generally for 3 years, renewable, with a lower rent and a more stable environment.

Advantages:

• Rent is often more affordable.
• You fit it out to your own taste.
• Ideal for couples, families, and tenants putting down roots in Paris.

Drawbacks:

• You'll need to move and buy furniture.
• Longer notice period (3 months).
• Less flexible if your plans change quickly.

The legal differences to know (that few tenants are aware of)

Between a furnished lease and an unfurnished lease, the rules change:

Item	Unfurnished let	Furnished let
Lease term	3 years	1 year (or 9 months for students)
Tenant's notice period	3 months (1 month in a high-demand area)	1 month
Deposit	1 month's rent	2 months' rent
Average rent in Paris	€32/m²	€36/m²
Landlord's tax treatment	Rental income (revenus fonciers)	LMNP furnished-letting status (more advantageous)

In short:
If you want stability and a controlled budget, go unfurnished.
If you want flexibility and convenience, choose furnished.

Still unsure? Let APPARTE assess your profile and point you towards the best type of lease for you.

The right choice depends on your lifestyle

At APPARTE, we never tell you “you should go for this or that”.
We first try to understand how you live.

Do you leave early, get home late, and travel often?
Furnished is your ally.

Do you love putting down roots, entertaining, decorating?
Unfurnished is the obvious choice.

The right instinct: rely on professional support

Most tenants waste time because they search alone.
Between vague listings, back-to-back viewings and rejected applications, fatigue sets in fast.

With a rental property hunter (chasseur d'appartement), everything changes:

• We target the right listings for your profile.
• We prepare a solid application, tailored to your situation (furnished or unfurnished).
• We negotiate and secure the signing.

Want to stop searching and start living? Start your search with APPARTE.

In summary

You are…	Recommended choice	Why
Young professional, freelancer, student	Furnished	Flexibility, convenience, simplicity
Couple, family, long term	Unfurnished	Stability, budget, personal comfort
Expatriate, temporary assignment	Furnished	Ready to move into, no long-term commitment
In professional transition	Temporary furnished, then long-term unfurnished	Best compromise

It's not just a question of furniture.
It's a question of pace, lifestyle, and intention.

At APPARTE, we know it: the right property choice is the one that fits you.

Looking for a flat that fits your life? Contact APPARTE today and let us find the right one for you.