Important information before renting an apartment in Montpellier
Moving to Montpellier is exciting… and when you’re discovering the French rental system at the same time, it can quickly feel like a lot. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you!
Apartment rental in Montpellier is in very high demand. The city is sunny, student-friendly and still more affordable than many big French cities, which means there are often more applications than available apartments. Whether you’re coming for a semester, medical studies or your first job in France, understanding how the local housing market works will help you feel more confident from day one.
Tip: in Montpellier there are around 4 applications for every 1 rental offer, so it’s best to start your search early.
Best neighbourhoods if you are a student in Montpellier
Montpellier is a real student city. To help you choose where to live, here’s an overview of student-friendly neighbourhoods, with transport, what’s nearby and how budget-friendly each area usually is.
Best neighbourhoods if you are a student in Montpellier
Montpellier is a real student city. To help you choose where to live, here’s an overview of student-friendly neighbourhoods, with transport, what’s nearby and how budget-friendly each area usually is.
| Neighbourhood | Transport | What’s nearby? | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôpitaux–Facultés | Tram lines 1 & 2, buses | Université de Montpellier (science & medicine), university hospitals, student housing | Affordable to Mid-range |
| Boutonnet | Tram line 1, buses | Close to Université de Montpellier and Université Paul-Valéry (via tram), quiet streets, local shops | Mid-range |
| Beaux-Arts | Tram line 2, buses | Montpellier School of Fine Arts, cafés, markets, village-like atmosphere | Mid-range to Expensive |
| Port Marianne | Tram lines 1 & 3 | Modern campuses and schools accessible by tram, student residences, riverfront | Mid-range |
Best neighbourhoods if you’re a young professional
If you’re moving to Montpellier for an internship or your first job, these areas offer a good balance of transport, work access and everyday comfort.
| Neighbourhood | Transport | What’s nearby? | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Écusson (Historic city centre) | Tram lines 1, 2 & 4, walkable | Place de la Comédie, shops, restaurants, nightlife, cultural venues | Mid-range to Expensive |
| Beaux-Arts | Tram line 2, buses | Local shops, cafés, village atmosphere close to the centre | Mid-range to Expensive |
| Port Marianne | Tram lines 1 & 3 | Modern offices, new apartments, riverfront, fast access to city centre | Mid-range |
| Millénaire / Odysseum area | Tram line 1, buses | Business parks, shopping centre, cinemas, easy access by car | Affordable to Mid-range |
What type of apartment should you look for in Montpellier?
The French rental vocabulary can be confusing at first. Here’s a simple guide for apartment rental in Montpellier:
- Studio: one single living space with a small kitchen area and a private bathroom. Compact and perfect for solo living and student.
- T1: similar to a studio but with a separate kitchen.
- T2 (= 1-bedroom apartment): one bedroom + one living room + kitchen + bathroom.
- T3 (=2-bedroom apartment), T4 (=3-bedroom apartment): larger apartments with two or three bedrooms, ideal for flatsharing.
In Montpellier, you’ll find both furnished and unfurnished options:
- Furnished (“meublé”): equipped with essential furniture. Very practical if you’re arriving from abroad or staying 6–12 months.
- Unfurnished (“non meublé”): empty, so you’ll need to buy or bring everything (bed, table, appliances…). Monthly rent is often lower, but the initial budget and preparation are higher.
Budget: What should you plan for when moving to Montpellier?
Before settling in Montpellier, it helps to know what costs to expect. From rent to deposits and everyday expenses, understanding the basics will make your arrival smoother and your search for an apartment rental in Montpellier much easier.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Montpellier?
Montpellier is more affordable than cities like Paris or Lyon, but prices are rising due to strong demand. On average, apartment rental in Montpellier is around €610 per month.
What is the best type of accommodation budget-wise?
If you’re looking for comfort and savings in Montpellier:
- Flatshares let you split rent and utilities with other tenants and enjoy a larger apartment for less.
- Studios are a good option if you prefer your own space while keeping a smaller, more manageable budget.
- Student residences are turnkey: furnished, secure and designed for newcomers. They’re often a bit more expensive, but many services are included (furniture, reception, common areas…).
Unfurnished rentals may seem cheaper at first, but buying furniture and appliances can quickly increase your initial budget, especially when you’re just arriving in a new city.
What neighbourhood to choose according to your budget?
- More affordable: Hôpitaux–Facultés, parts of Mosson, outer areas of Montpellier
- Mid-range: Boutonnet, Port Marianne, Millénaire area
- Higher budget: L’Écusson (historic centre), Beaux-Arts, central streets near Place de la Comédie
Deposit system and guarantor in France: how does it work?
In France, landlords usually request:
- One month’s rent as a security deposit (often more for furnished rentals).
- A guarantor: someone who agrees to cover your rent if you’re unable to pay.
If you’re an international student or young professional without a guarantor in France, Studapart can help! More on this later.
Are utilities included in the price of an apartment in France?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Check whether the rent is “charges comprises” (utilities included) or not. Utilities usually cover water, building maintenance and sometimes heating, but electricity, gas and internet are often extra.
On Studapart, each listing has a clear section showing exactly what is included in the price, so you always know what you’re paying for before you book.
Documents: What do you need to rent an apartment in Montpellier?
Renting an apartment in France comes with a few essential documents, especially if you’re arriving from abroad. Don’t worry, the list is simple, and once you know what’s expected, the process becomes much easier.
Here’s what you’ll usually need to prepare so your rental application in Montpellier is complete and ready to go.
What documents do I need to provide to rent my apartment?
French landlords review a small set of documents to confirm your identity and situation. The exact list can vary, but you may be asked for:
- ID or passport
- Proof of income (salary slips, internship contract, or bank statements)
- Proof of scholarship or financial support if you’re a student
- Proof of enrolment or admission letter for university students
- Guarantor documents (ID + proof of income + proof of address), if required
- Visa or residence permit if applicable for your stay
- Previous rental references or a short presentation, sometimes requested but not mandatory
On Studapart, you’ll find a clear checklist on your profile to help you upload the right documents and complete your application smoothly.
What documents do I need to ask my guarantor?
In most cases, your guarantor only needs to share a few key documents so the landlord can check their situation:
- An ID (passport or identity card)
- Proof of address (recent bill or rental contract)
- Proof of income (salary slips, employment contract and/or tax return)
On Studapart, we guide you and your guarantor step by step so you both know exactly what to upload.
“Assurance habitation”: why is it mandatory in France?
Home insurance is required for every tenant in France. It protects you in case of water damage, fire or accidents. Without it, landlords cannot legally let you move in.
The good news: it’s usually quick and affordable to set up, and you can even subscribe directly through Studapart thanks to our trusted insurance partners.
Why Studapart makes life easier for international students and young professionals
Moving to a new city for your studies or your first job is exciting, but finding a place to live can feel like the hardest part. Studapart is here to make that moment simpler. With verified listings, secure booking and clear guidance, we help you settle in Montpellier with confidence from day one.
How can Studapart help you find an apartment in Montpellier?
When you’re coming from abroad, the French rental system can feel confusing. Studapart makes the process straightforward with features designed especially for international students:
- Verified listings only so you avoid scams and uncertain offers
- Secure online booking reserve your home before even landing in France
- Support in English and French real people to answer your questions and help you step by step
- Clear rental requirements no surprises, no hidden documents
- Strong partnerships with universities campuses across France trust Studapart to guide their students
Wherever you’re coming from, Studapart helps you arrive in Montpellier feeling prepared, reassured and supported from the first moment.
What is the Guaranteed Profile?
No French guarantor? No problem. The Guaranteed Profile is Studapart’s solution for students and newcomers who don’t meet the usual French rental criteria.
By activating it, Studapart checks and validates your documents, then adds a “guaranteed profile” badge to your account. Landlords instantly see that you’re a trusted tenant, which opens access to many apartments usually difficult to rent as an international student.
Learn more on the dedicated page about the Guaranteed Profile.
Why Studapart is the right platform for your apartment hunt in Montpellier
Searching for housing in a new country can be stressful, new rules, new habits, sometimes even a new language. Studapart gives you a simple, safe and supportive way to find a home in Montpellier.
- Verified and secure accommodation to book from abroad without stress
- Guidance at every step so you always know what to do next
- A friendly community of students, expats and trusted landlords
- A platform built for international mobility helping you feel at home faster
With Studapart, you’re never navigating the rental journey alone! We’re here to make each step smoother, safer and more reassuring.