Students on a short stay
If you don’t want to move a large appliance when your stay ends, look for deals that include delivery and collection. Make sure the contract ends when you leave the property, though.
Before getting equipped for a temporary student stay, check what the accommodation actually includes: some appliances may already be provided. If something is missing, renting is worth considering if the contract length fits your stay and you’d benefit from delivery, collection or help with breakdowns. Buying may suit you better if you plan to keep, transport or resell the appliance.
If you don’t want to move a large appliance when your stay ends, look for deals that include delivery and collection. Make sure the contract ends when you leave the property, though.
Buying new, second-hand or refurbished could work for you if you can keep the appliance after your stay, arrange transport or sell it on. Its condition and the seller’s terms are also important factors.
Before making any arrangements, compare what you need with the property inventory, and make sure the condition of the appliances is recorded in the check-in report. The decree published by Légifrance sets out minimum requirements for furnished accommodation used as a tenant’s main home, but a washing machine is not always included.
For a temporary stay, first check what the property includes. Then compare the length of your stay with the rental commitment or the practicalities of buying.
| What matters | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances already provided | The inventory, check-in report and whether the appliances provided are in working order. For furnished accommodation used as a main home, the decree published by Légifrance specifies, among other things, a hob, an oven or microwave, and a fridge that meets the conditions set out in the text. | I want to avoid bringing an appliance that’s already in my home. Around 33% of consumers rank this check as their top priority. |
| Rental period | The initial commitment, return date and terms for ending the rental early. Boulanger Location advertises terms of 12 to 36 months, depending on the product; BUT offers 36, 48 or 60 months for white goods. | If I’m leaving at the end of my studies, I’d rather have an appliance collected than arrange to move it. This flexibility is a top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Buying an appliance to keep | Whether you can install and transport it, and keep it after your stay, as well as what cover is available if it breaks down. | I plan to use my appliance in another home and can arrange to move it. This is the main need for around 20% of consumers. |
| Second-hand or refurbished | The exact model, whether it works, the condition of its accessories and the seller’s identity. For refurbished appliances, check what inspections are carried out and whether they’re available locally. | I’m happy to inspect a second-hand appliance carefully before installing it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this option. |
A long-term rental won’t automatically fit around an academic year or an uncertain departure date. Boulanger Location lists terms of 12 to 36 months, depending on the product, while BUT offers 36, 48 or 60 months for white goods.
Before signing, check that the commitment ends around the time you expect to leave, and ask for the cancellation and return terms in writing.
For furnished accommodation used as a main home, the decree published by Légifrance specifies certain kitchen and food-storage appliances. You’ll need to check whether other appliances, such as a washing machine, are included in the property you choose.
Ask for the inventory before moving in, then check that the appliances are present and working during the check-in inspection.
A rental service offering a range of large appliances.
A rental provider offering several categories of large appliances for temporary use.
A rental service from BUT offering furniture and white goods.
A retailer offering refurbished large appliances in selected stores.
No. A washing machine isn’t on the minimum requirements list set out in the decree published by Légifrance for furnished accommodation used as a tenant’s main home. The decree does specify, among other things, a hob, an oven or microwave, and a fridge with a freezer or compartment that meets the stated temperature requirement. Check the inventory to see what other appliances are provided.
Only if the rental period and terms for leaving fit your stay. As examples of advertised commitments, Boulanger Location lists 12 to 36 months, depending on the product, and BUT offers 36, 48 or 60 months for white goods. Check the contract for the deal you’re considering before committing.
What’s covered depends on the contract you choose. Boulanger Location advertises a diagnostic and repair service during the rental period. Check the exclusions, your maintenance responsibilities and the procedure to follow for the appliance in question.
First check the model number, that it works and its overall condition, then make sure it can be installed in your home. Find out whether the seller is a business or a private individual, and keep any available documents. These details will help if a fault comes to light.