A long-term rental can be a good option when you know your leaving date and want to avoid transporting the appliance, reselling it and dealing with breakdowns, provided the contract clearly covers delivery, collection and early termination. Buying second-hand or refurbished may suit you better if you can check the appliance’s condition and arrange for it to leave the property, while buying new makes more sense if you plan to keep it after your stay. Always compare the cost across your entire period of occupancy, the services included and your end-of-contract responsibilities.
If you need to equip your accommodation for the duration of your studies but do not want to transport or resell the appliances afterwards, start by comparing the length of your stay, the total cost and the collection arrangements.
When you can predict the date on which you will return the accommodation, a solution that limits handling and end-of-tenancy admin may be worthwhile. However, check that the cancellation and return terms fit your schedule.
Buying second-hand or refurbished can reduce your upfront spending. Renting spreads the payments, but its value depends on the term you choose and the fees set out in the contract.
Worth considering: if your stay is temporary and has a fixed end date, and you want to limit the need to resell, uninstall and deal directly with breakdowns.
Watch out for: France’s National Consumer Institute states that a long-term rental can cost more than buying; check the minimum term, total cost and return conditions.
Worth considering: if you want to keep your initial outlay down and can check the condition, dimensions and a way to remove the appliance when you leave.
Watch out for: when buying from a private seller, checks and proof of the transaction become particularly important.
Worth considering: if you will keep the appliance after leaving your temporary accommodation or need a specific model for your setup.
Watch out for: plan for delivery, installation and a way to resell, donate or have the appliance collected when you leave.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Compare the purchase price or cumulative rental payments over your actual period of occupancy. Add any upfront payment, delivery, installation, repairs and early-termination terms. | I want to avoid a low monthly payment or an attractive second-hand appliance hiding extra costs. In September 2025, 85% of households surveyed in mainland France for the Médiateur national de l’énergie’s Baromètre énergie-info considered their energy bills to represent a significant proportion of their budget. |
| Leaving the accommodation | Match the minimum rental term to your leaving date. Confirm in writing the collection, uninstallation, access to the property and the condition required on return. | I am looking for a solution that does not leave me having to transport or part with a large appliance at the last minute. In the 2025 Crous housing survey, 8.7% of respondents had been living in their accommodation for 1 to 6 months and 9.7% for 6 to 9 months; these figures describe Crous respondents, not an appliance choice. |
| Breakdowns and remedies | For a rental, make sure maintenance, repairs and exclusions are clearly specified. For a purchase, keep the invoice, listing, condition documents and proof of handover. | I want to know who arranges a repair and keep useful evidence in case of a problem. According to the OpinionWay survey for Sofinco conducted in February 2025 among 1,043 adults, 4 in 10 French people said they had bought second-hand or refurbished goods in the previous 12 months; this result covers several categories, including household appliances. |
France’s National Consumer Institute points out that an extended rental can cost more than buying the item. The services provided and responsibilities involved depend on the contract you choose.
Work out the cost over your entire planned stay and also model an early departure. Ask for the maintenance, repair, collection and return terms in writing before signing.
The practical benefit of renting disappears if collection or uninstallation has not been arranged. Buying also requires a realistic way to deal with the appliance when you leave.
Before buying, identify a resale, donation or collection option near your future departure location. Before renting, obtain the collection procedure, collection date and expected condition.
Poorly planned removal can mean handling, temporary storage or additional transport.
French household appliance rental provider offering washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and fridges, among other products.
Long-term rental service offering large and small household appliances, including washing machines, tumble dryers, washer-dryers and fridges.
Furniture and home equipment retailer that has offered long-term rental for certain washing machines and fridges.
Large household appliance rental provider offering fridge-freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, built-in ovens and microwaves, among other products.
Joybuy options for buying new appliances to equip a kitchen or manage laundry in temporary accommodation. Check that the dimensions, connections and removal solution suit your property and length of occupancy.
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For a small temporary kitchen requiring everyday food storage.
Advertised width of 54 cm, with 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. Reversible door, adjustable feet and Low Frost technology; advertised energy rating E.
Check the full dimensions, delivery terms and a transport, donation or resale solution for when you leave.
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For temporary accommodation with regular laundry needs and suitable connections.
8 kg capacity, advertised depth of 470 mm and spin speed of up to 1,400 rpm. Advertised energy rating A, with 33 kWh/100 cycles and 38 L/cycle for Eco 40–60.
Allow for a stable surface, a water inlet, a drain and a 220–240 V power supply. Advertised net weight is 61 kg.
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For a bedroom or studio where space and storage needs are limited.
Advertised dimensions of 449 × 485 × 512 mm, with 42 L of fridge space and a 3 L freezer compartment. Adjustable feet and a glass shelf; advertised energy rating E.
Its capacity is better suited to one person; check the ventilation clearances and available space.
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For reheating and defrosting meals in a small temporary kitchen.
20 L capacity, 700 W power, 11 power levels, six pre-set menus and weight- or time-based defrosting. Advertised external dimensions of 440 × 319 × 259 mm.
Check that your dishes fit inside the cavity and allow for a ventilated position with an available socket.
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For preparing small quantities in a studio with limited worktop space.
2 L capacity, 400 W power, rice, porridge, soup and steaming programmes, with a 24-hour delay start and keep-warm function. Advertised dimensions of 220 × 245 × 215 mm.
Observe the stated clearances: 40 cm above and 10 cm at the sides. Do not cover the hot steam outlet.
The HomeCycle, Boulanger Location and Homat catalogues feature washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges and freezers, among other appliances. Homat also lists ovens and microwaves. Check the catalogue, the models actually available and delivery to your address before committing.
No. HomeCycle, Boulanger Location and BUT advertise certain delivery, collection, installation or assistance services depending on their offers, but you should not assume they are included. France’s National Consumer Institute recommends checking the contract for installation, uninstallation, maintenance, repairs and early termination.
Not necessarily. France’s National Consumer Institute distinguishes long-term rental, with no purchase option, from hire purchase, where the purchase price is specified in the contract. Check whether the offer is an LLD or an LOA, then confirm its total cost and any possible purchase price.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Keep the invoice and documents describing the appliance; a private sale requires careful review of the sale terms and evidence available.
Arrange resale, donation, repair or drop-off before you leave. ADEME provides a map to help locate donation, second-hand and repair organisations; the ministry responsible for ecological transition also states that electrical and electronic equipment can be taken to a collection point or household waste recycling centre.