First, check which appliances are provided with the accommodation. Their presence and condition could mean you don’t need to buy anything. If you need to add to what’s already there, second-hand or refurbished appliances may suit you if you’re happy to decide what to do with them when you leave. Buying new lets you choose a specific model, while renting is worth considering if the rental period and return terms fit your stay. Before renting, compare all the costs and early termination terms in writing.
Before buying, compare the accommodation inventory with the appliances you need, and make sure their condition is recorded when you move in. A faulty appliance that’s already there calls for a different approach from one that’s missing.
Second-hand or refurbished appliances may be an option if you can arrange delivery and decide what to do with the appliance at the end of your stay. Check that it works and find out what warranty applies.
If you’d rather avoid reselling an appliance, compare the rental period with your departure date. Return arrangements and early termination terms matter just as much as the services included.
To equip student accommodation in France for a temporary stay, first check what’s already working, then decide how to get any missing appliances with your departure in mind.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances already provided | Compare the listing with the inventory, and make sure the presence and working condition of appliances are noted in the check-in report. | When renting furnished accommodation, I want to avoid buying an appliance that’s already usable and know what condition it’s in when I receive it. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Upfront cost | For second-hand or refurbished appliances, check their condition, warranty terms and delivery options. Plan what you’ll do with the appliance when you leave. | If I need to add to what’s in the accommodation without spending a lot upfront, I may be happy to manage the appliance I’ve bought afterwards. Around 27% of consumers are estimated to prioritise this. |
| Choosing a new appliance | Check the dimensions, permitted connections, delivery arrangements and the seller’s warranty terms. | If I need a specific size or capacity, I’d rather choose a new appliance, even if I’ll have to deal with it when I leave. Around 20% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Rental commitment | Ask about the contract length, the total amount payable, and the written terms for returns, damage and early termination. | If I know when my stay will end, I want to avoid reselling an appliance without being tied into a contract after I leave. For roughly 20% of consumers, the option to rent on suitable terms takes priority over the other choices. |
Under the French regulations published by Légifrance, furnished rental accommodation must include, among other things, a hob, an oven or microwave, and a fridge that meets the specified requirements. Ordering before you’ve seen the accommodation could therefore mean buying an appliance you don’t need.
Check the inventory and make sure the presence and condition of the appliances are recorded in the check-in report.
The French National Consumer Institute says that long-term rental can meet a temporary need, but renting for an extended period may cost more than buying. The appliance does not become the renter’s property.
Ask for the total amount payable over the proposed rental period, then check the return and early termination terms before comparing your options.
For appliances listed in the contract, French law distinguishes between routine maintenance and minor repairs, and problems caused by factors such as wear and tear or poor workmanship, as explained by Légifrance. The cause of a fault therefore matters.
Record the appliance’s condition when you move in, report any faults and keep written correspondence before arranging a repair.
A refurbished appliance is still an appliance you’ve bought. You’ll need to transport it, sell it or make other arrangements when you leave.
Before choosing, check the delivery and warranty terms, and think about how you’ll clear the accommodation at the end of your stay.
Long-term rental service offering large household appliances, among other products.
Retail network selling refurbished appliances, worth considering if you’d rather buy than rent.
Retailer with a long-term rental section for large household appliances.
These appliances are for buying to make up for a washing machine or fridge that’s missing from your accommodation. First check what’s provided, then consider installation requirements and what you’ll do with the appliance when you leave.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need to do your washing where you live and there isn’t a usable washing machine provided. The product name specifies an 8 kg capacity. Before buying, check the dimensions, permitted connections and whether it can be moved into the property.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if the accommodation doesn’t have a fridge that suits your needs and you’re looking for a compact model. The product name specifies 45 L. Check that the capacity and freezer compartment specifications suit how you’ll use it. Don’t assume it replaces the equipment required in furnished accommodation.
First check the inventory and the condition of the appliances. Under the French regulations published by Légifrance, furnished rental accommodation must include an oven or microwave, as well as a fridge with a freezer or compartment kept at a temperature of −6 °C or below.
It depends on the cause of the problem. Under French law, published by Légifrance, the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs to appliances listed in the contract, except where the problem is due to factors such as wear and tear, poor workmanship or a construction defect. Keep a copy of the check-in report and report the fault in writing so its cause can be established.
Only if the rental period and exit terms fit your stay. The French National Consumer Institute describes contracts with terms agreed in advance of between 6 and 48 months; Boulanger Location offers periods of 12 to 36 months, depending on the product. Check the specific contract before assuming you can return the appliance when you leave.
No, don’t assume these are included in every offer. Boulanger Location includes them for its large household appliances. For the appliance you’re considering, check in writing who is responsible for delivery, installation, repairs and collection, as well as the terms that apply if it’s damaged.