Temporary resident looking to make moving out easier
If your moving-out date is fairly predictable, returning a washing machine or fridge could save you the hassle of arranging a sale or transport. Be sure to check what steps your contract requires.
Who are these options for?
Temporary resident happy to keep or resell their appliances
Buying is worth considering if you can take your appliances with you after your stay, keep them or arrange to sell them.
Buyer keen to know what happens if an appliance breaks down
If an appliance being out of action would disrupt your stay, find out who to contact if something goes wrong. When buying, whether you’re buying from a professional retailer or a private seller affects your statutory guarantee of conformity.
What to check before choosing
Long-term rental
Worth considering: for a temporary need with a predictable end date, if the services included in the contract suit your move-in and move-out arrangements.
Bear in mind: you won’t own the appliance and must return it under the agreed terms. The National Consumer Institute cites a student moving into accommodation as an example of a temporary need.
Buying new
Worth considering: if you plan to keep the appliance after your stay or can arrange to resell it.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to arrange installation, moving and what to do with the appliance afterwards. If you buy from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, as explained by Service Public.
Buying second-hand or refurbished
Worth considering: if you can check the appliance’s condition and decide what to do with it at the end of your stay.
Bear in mind: your options if something goes wrong depend in part on who you buy from. According to Service Public and the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies when you buy from a professional seller, but not when buying from a private individual.
| What matters to you | What to check before choosing | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Moving out and returning the appliance | Compare your moving-out date with the minimum term, then check the return arrangements and the terms for ending the contract early. | If I’m leaving on a known date, I want to avoid finding someone to take the appliance and transporting a bulky item. Around 25% of consumers put this hassle-free move-out at the top of their list. |
| Keeping the appliance | Work out whether you can keep, move or resell the appliance after your stay. If you’re renting, check what happens at the end of the contract. | If my stay might be extended, I’d rather be able to decide what happens to the appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this flexibility. |
| Breakdowns and maintenance | Find out who to contact, which breakdowns are covered and what maintenance you’re responsible for. If you’re buying, check the seller’s status. | If I need a fridge or washing machine during my stay, I want to know who to contact if it breaks down. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this support. |
| Suitability for the property | Check the dimensions, access to the property, connections and what installation includes, especially for a built-in appliance. | If space or connections are limited, I need to be able to install the appliance I choose in this particular property. Around 25% of consumers are most concerned about compatibility. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming installation and all repairs are included
The services on offer vary by provider, appliance and contract. Installation advertised for large appliances may not cover a built-in appliance or a non-standard connection.
Before signing, get clear details on delivery, installation, disconnection, maintenance, breakdown cover and collection arrangements.
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Assuming a private sale is the same as buying from a shop
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies when buying from a professional seller does not cover sales between private individuals, according to the Ministry of the Economy.
Before buying from a private individual, check the appliance’s condition and make sure it works, if possible. Also check that the necessary accessories and connections are included.
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Forgetting that rented appliances must be returned
Renting doesn’t make you the owner. The National Consumer Institute reminds renters that appliances must be returned in the condition set out in the contract, allowing for normal use. BUT also states that appliances must be returned at the end of the contract.
If you think you’ll still need the appliance after your stay, check the end-of-rental terms before signing up.
Appliance rental providers: an overview
Boulanger Location
A rental service offering washing machines, dishwashers and fridges, among other appliances.
- Boulanger Location advertises delivery, installation and after-sales service for large appliances, as well as breakdown cover during the rental period. Check exactly what’s included in your chosen contract.
- Its terms and conditions restrict the service to people aged 18 and over, and exclude France’s overseas departments and territories, Corsica and Monaco. These requirements are specific to this provider.
BUT Location Longue Durée
An in-store offer covering furniture and appliances, among other items, provided in partnership with BNP Paribas Personal Finance Location under the Cetelem brand.
- For appliances, BUT advertises contracts lasting 36, 48 or 60 months, with delivery and breakdown cover subject to the applicable terms.
- These contract lengths may exceed the duration of a short stay. Ask for the terms and conditions in store and check the application requirements before signing up.
Related products
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Frequently asked questions
Is renting suitable for student accommodation or a temporary work assignment?
It can be a good fit if you’ll no longer need the appliance once your stay ends and you’re happy with the return conditions. The National Consumer Institute cites a student moving into accommodation as an example of a temporary need. Make sure the contract length matches your expected moving-out date.
Are delivery, installation and repairs always included?
No. What’s included depends on the provider and contract. Boulanger Location advertises delivery, installation and after-sales service for large appliances. Before signing, also check what maintenance you’re responsible for and how non-standard installations are handled.
Can you end a rental agreement early?
Your options and any consequences depend on the contract. The National Consumer Institute warns that ending an agreement early may incur penalties. Check the terms for cancellation, collection and return before signing up.
What guarantee applies to a new, second-hand or refurbished appliance?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to all three categories when you buy from a professional seller. According to Service Public, the fault must appear within two years of the goods being delivered. The Ministry of the Economy clarifies that this guarantee does not apply to sales between private individuals.