Student APL: Tenant Rights in France

Student tenants in France may be eligible for the Personalized Housing Allowance (APL) depending on income, type of accommodation and family situation. This article explains clearly who qualifies, which documents to provide, how CAF calculates the amount and what steps to take in case of a change of address, income or shared tenancy. You will also find practical advice to prepare a file, appeal a refusal and understand your rights related to social housing, repairs or eviction. The tone remains pragmatic and concrete to help students secure their housing benefit and avoid mistakes that delay payments.

Who can receive APL?

APL is intended for people occupying a dwelling as their main residence, including many students in private accommodation, university residences or shared housing. Eligibility depends notably on income, the nature of the lease and the compliance of the housing with decency criteria provided by law (Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989). ^[2]

Documents and calculation

Before applying, gather the usual documents: identity, tenancy agreement, inventory of fixtures, proof of address, income statements and bank details. The amount is calculated by CAF according to an algorithm that takes into account rent, income and household composition.

• Identity document (ID card or passport).
• Tenancy agreement or landlord's certificate.
• Inventory of fixtures and proof of address if required^[3].
• Last three payslips or scholarship statements if applicable.
• Bank account details (RIB).

Common procedures

Applications are mainly done online on the CAF website, where a simulator allows you to estimate your entitlement before submitting the file. To change your situation (move, change of income, shared tenancy), notify CAF promptly to avoid overpayments or interruptions. ^[1]

FAQ

What are the general eligibility conditions for APL for a student?

The student must occupy the dwelling as a main residence, meet income ceilings and hold a lease or housing certificate. Exact rules vary according to family situation and housing type.

Which documents are required for an application?

Identity document, tenancy agreement or landlord certificate, proof of income, bank details and sometimes an inventory of fixtures depending on specific requests.

What to do in case of refusal or change of situation?

First, contest the refusal with CAF by providing missing documents. If unresolved, you can contact the departmental conciliation commission and, if necessary, the judicial court.

How to

1. Estimate your rights on the CAF website and gather all required documents.
2. Create or access your CAF personal space and fill in the online application.
3. Submit the requested supporting documents via the secure portal or as instructed locally.
4. Update your situation with CAF in case of moving, income change or shared tenancy.
5. If an application is refused, request a re-examination and, if necessary, refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission before legal action.

Help and resources

• Simulation and application for housing assistance (APL) on Service-Public
• Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 (residential leases) on Legifrance
• Model tenancy contract and inventory of fixtures on Service-Public

1. [1] Service-Public: Simulation and application for housing assistance (APL)
2. [2] Legifrance: Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989
3. [3] Service-Public: Tenancy contract and inventory of fixtures