Paris Rental Glossary for new landlords or tenants

There are some odd tems in the Parisian rental lingo;

“American Kitchen” or” Cuisine Americaine”, which means an equipped kitchen and dining room which is open onto the living room. It's really funny, but most Americans have no idea what an American kitchen is!

Some others that are useful to know:

Dépot de Garantie
The deposit on an apartment rental demanded by the owner to cover any breakages or damage to their apartment. Normally 2 month’s rent in Paris. By law the owner does not have to return this until 2 months after the date the tenant moves out (giving them time to assess any damage or bills left unpaid).

Cave
Cellar - handy for storing extra gear, bikes, suitacases etc

Etat des Lieux & Inventaire
Literally the “state of the place” which is a check made between tenant and landlord to agree on the condition of different parts of the apartment such as the walls, etc. Basically this is to protect both parties so that tenants are not blamed for a streak on the paintwork they you are not responsible and the owner's aparment stays in good repair. Now it's common to photograph the apartment at this check-in stage. The inventaire is the inventory of items in the apartment – the number of glasses, TV, stereo etc.

Floor System in France
Ground floor is known as Rez de Chausee often abbreviated as RDC. After going up the first flight of stairs you arrive at the 1st floor and so on.

Gardien/Gardienne
The lady or gentleman who lives in the loge of your building and takes care of all the cleaning common parts, post, delivery of parcels – an important person to have on your side if you are a tenant or an owner. They generally know all the important information about your building, the inhabitants and the neighbourhood. Make yourself known to them and a little present now and again will make your life 100% easier.

Parquet/Moquette
Wooden floors/wall to wall carpet

Pièce
A room. A one bedroom apartment is a “2 pièce” – it has two rooms; a bedroom and sitting room

Quittance de Loyer
A receipt for your rent – often required as proof of address for official business.