Tenants with a planned move-out date
You’re furnishing a home for your studies, a work assignment or a period of relocation, and want to avoid moving or reselling bulky appliances when you leave.
Who is this choice for?
People focused on the overall cost
You can cover the purchase price and are considering keeping, moving or reselling the appliances. Your decision is about the full period of use, not just the upfront payments.
People looking to keep upfront costs down
You’re considering second-hand or refurbished appliances and can check their condition, connections, transport requirements and the protection offered by the seller.
What should you compare?
For a temporary stay, start with your likely move-out date and what you’ll be able to do with the appliances afterwards. Compare equipment that meets the same needs, including only the services actually covered by each offer.
Long-term rental
Worth considering: if the minimum term covers your stay and the contract includes the services you need. The French National Consumer Institute cites student accommodation as an example of a situation where the need may not be long-term.
The trade-off: you’ll need to follow the cancellation and return terms. Whether you can become the owner depends on the contract.
Buying new
Worth considering: if you plan to keep the appliance after leaving this home, or can arrange to resell it.
The trade-off: you’ll need to arrange any delivery, installation and removal that isn’t included in your purchase.
Second-hand or refurbished
Worth considering: if keeping upfront costs down is your priority and you can check the appliance’s condition and suitability for your home.
The trade-off: the information and protections to check can vary, particularly depending on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
| Priority | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving the accommodation easily | Minimum term and early cancellation; collection, condition and accessories required when returning the appliance. | If I’m leaving on a known date, I want to avoid reselling or moving a heavy appliance. Around 36% of consumers prioritise an easy move-out. |
| Managing the overall cost | Payments and services over the full term; delivery, maintenance, exit fees and the option to resell if buying. | I can keep or resell the appliance, so what matters to me is the total cost over my stay. Around 36% of consumers share this priority. |
| Keeping upfront costs down | The second-hand appliance’s actual condition and dimensions; transport, accessories and the seller’s status. | When I need to furnish a home without spending a large amount upfront, I can consider buying second-hand if the condition is clear enough. Around 28% of consumers prioritise this need. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing a monthly payment with the purchase price alone
This calculation overlooks the length of the commitment and the services included in each option. The French National Consumer Institute points out that renting for an extended period can cost more than buying the item.
For comparable appliances, add up the payments due during your stay. Then consider the services, the terms for ending the agreement and what you could keep or resell if you buy.
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Assuming the end of the minimum term means you can leave without conditions
A plan with no further commitment after a minimum period may still have rules for cancellation and returning the appliance.
Check the contract for the move-out date, minimum term, consequences of ending the agreement early, acceptable wear and tear, and items you need to return.
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Buying second-hand without checking who the seller is
In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, among other things, to second-hand or refurbished appliances sold by a business to a private individual. Don’t assume the same protection applies to a private sale.
Check the condition, connections and accessories, and keep proof of purchase. If a product is described as refurbished, check the details of the specific appliance being sold.
Transport or any necessary repairs can also affect whether a second-hand appliance is the right choice.
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Forgetting to check your address and moving date
Service areas and available services can limit the benefits of renting. Boulanger Location’s terms, for example, exclude Corsica, Monaco and France’s overseas territories from the offer listed for mainland France.
Before signing up, confirm that your address is covered, along with the delivery date, installation and arrangements in case you move.
Rental providers to know
These offers show some of the contract terms to compare when renting large appliances. Check what applies to the appliance and address you’re interested in.
HomeCycle
HomeCycle offers appliance rentals with a set minimum term.
- Its terms include maintenance and repairs in the event of a fault, subject to the conditions of the contract.
- Check the minimum term and the arrangements for ending the rental in the terms that apply when you sign up.
Boulanger Location
Boulanger Location offers washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and fridges for rent, among other appliances.
- Depending on the offer, the retailer advertises delivery, installation and breakdown services for large appliances.
- Its terms exclude Corsica, Monaco and France’s overseas territories. Its FAQ says that there is no option to buy the appliance at the end of the contract.
BUT Location Longue Durée
BUT offers in-store rental plans for large appliances over 36, 48 or 60 months.
- The retailer advertises breakdown cover during the rental, as well as delivery and installation options.
- These terms need careful consideration if you think you’ll leave your home after just a few months. Changing appliances before the end of the term is advertised as an option, subject to recommitting to a new agreement.
Appliances to consider buying
These fridges and washing machines are worth considering if you decide to buy appliances for your home. For each one, check the condition offered, delivery arrangements and warranty terms before comparing it with a rental offer.
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Beko B5RCNE406HG, 355 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if your home needs both fridge and freezer space in a freestanding appliance.
Advertised capacity of 355 L, Total No Frost technology and energy rating C. Check the space needed for installation and ventilation.
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Electrolux EW6FI4805AW, 8 kg front-loading washing machine
An option to consider for a home with the connections needed for a washing machine.
Advertised capacity of 8 kg and spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Check the available space and the water inlet and drainage connections.
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Electrolux EWF1410N2, 10 kg front-loading washing machine
Consider this model if you’re looking for a 10 kg washing machine for temporary accommodation.
Check the available space, floor stability, water inlet and drainage connections, and whether there’s an earthed socket.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L fridge
Worth considering if you need a high-capacity fridge and can make space for it in your home.
Advertised capacity of 495 L and energy rating E. Before choosing this model, check how the doors open, access to your home and the ventilation clearance required.
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AEG LFR62E114S, 10 kg freestanding washing machine
Another option for a home that can accommodate a freestanding washing machine.
Advertised capacity of 10 kg, spin speed up to 1,400 rpm and energy rating A. Check the dimensions against your access points and the space available.
Frequently asked questions
Is renting suitable for a short-term student move?
It can be suitable if the contract covers your stay and includes the services you need. The French National Consumer Institute cites student accommodation as a situation where the need for an appliance may not be long-term, but that doesn’t mean renting will cost less than buying.
What should I compare before signing a long-term rental contract?
Compare all the payments due over the period you’re considering, along with the services actually included. Then read the terms for cancellation, repairs and returns. Also check when the contract starts: Boulanger Location’s FAQ says its offer begins on delivery.
Can you keep a rented appliance when the contract ends?
It depends on the contract. Boulanger Location says it doesn’t offer an option to buy and requires the appliance and its accessories to be returned. Check the relevant clause with any other rental provider.
What protection applies to a refurbished appliance bought in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to a refurbished appliance sold by a business to a private individual in France. The DGCCRF states that a product described as refurbished must have undergone functional tests before being offered for sale. Also check the information provided about the specific appliance being sold.