Housing benefit for roommates - Tenants in France

What is APL for roommates?

The personalized housing allowance (APL) helps some tenants reduce their out-of-pocket rent in France. In a shared flat, each roommate can be assessed based on their own resources and residence status, which affects the amount paid by the CAF.^[1]

Who can apply for APL?

To qualify for APL you must meet resource and residence conditions. The following items are commonly requested:

• Proof of income and tax notices for each roommate.
• A rental contract (lease) or a landlord statement specifying the sharing arrangement.
• Inventory of fixtures and proof of occupation (bills, attestations) to prove residence.

How to apply for APL (practical information)

The application is usually made online via your CAF account; you must declare your resources there and attach the required documents so that the CAF can calculate the amount due to each roommate.^[2]

• Common documents: lease, inventory of fixtures, tax notice, proof of income and bank details.
• If the lease is single, specify the agreed sharing between roommates.

What to do in case of a dispute

If there is a disagreement (allocation split, CAF refusal, dispute between roommates), favor an amicable settlement first. The departmental conciliation commission can be contacted and, as a last resort, the judicial court (tribunal judiciaire) has jurisdiction for lease and payment disputes.

FAQ

Is APL compatible with shared housing?

Yes. Each roommate can, subject to resource conditions, receive APL independently of the lease, according to the individual situation assessed by the CAF.

Does the contract need to be in the name of all roommates?

The lease can be single or split into individual leases; the contract form affects how aid is divided and calculated.

What if a roommate leaves?

Inform the CAF, update the situation and carry out a new inventory of fixtures to adjust aid and responsibilities.

How to

1. Create or use your CAF account and start the housing assistance application.
2. Gather all required supporting documents (lease, inventory of fixtures, tax notice).^[3]
3. Clearly indicate the split between roommates and the rent amount for calculation.
4. Submit the application, monitor the CAF decision and update your situation if anything changes.

Key takeaways

• Each roommate is evaluated on their own resources.
• Transparent rent sharing helps CAF calculate aid accurately.
• Keeping documents speeds up procedures and protects your rights.

Help and support

• [2] Service-public: Personalized housing allowance (APL)
• [1] Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
• [3] Service-public: Rental contract and inventory of fixtures

1. [1] Law n° 89-462 of 6 July 1989 — Legifrance
2. [2] Service-public: Personalized housing allowance (APL)
3. [3] Service-public: Rental contract and inventory of fixtures