When furnishing a home for a limited time, start by considering how long you’ll need the appliance, whether it’s available locally and how you’ll manage delivery and removal. Renting can work well if the contract includes the services you need without tying you in for too long. Borrowing depends on finding an appliance nearby, while buying second-hand or new means planning what you’ll do with it afterwards.
If you need a washing machine, fridge or dishwasher for a limited time, renting with delivery, breakdown cover and collection can save you having to organise each step separately. Check that these services are included in your contract.
If you’ll only use it now and again, borrowing locally or buying second-hand are alternatives to buying new. The appliance’s condition, how you’ll transport it and, if buying, whether the seller is a business or a private individual are all important considerations.
If you’d rather own the appliance, think from the outset about reselling or donating it, or arranging for it to be taken away when you replace it. This matters especially if you won’t be able to keep it after your stay.
Start with how long you’ll need the appliance and what’s available locally. Then check who will handle installation, maintenance and removal.
Worth considering: if a service available at your address takes care of the steps you can’t arrange yourself.
Bear in mind: the minimum rental period and return arrangements may extend beyond the time you need the appliance.
Worth considering: for an appliance you’ll use infrequently, if someone nearby or a local organisation can lend one for the dates you need.
Bear in mind: agree how long you can borrow it for, its condition at the outset and how it should be returned.
Worth considering: if you can inspect the appliance and arrange its transport and eventual removal.
Bear in mind: the appliance’s condition and your options if something goes wrong can vary, particularly depending on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
Worth considering: if you’d like to keep the appliance after your stay or have a practical way to pass it on.
Bear in mind: buying it doesn’t take care of transporting or removing it when you no longer need it.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Services and commitment | Minimum contract length; whether delivery, repairs and collection are actually included. | I’m in temporary accommodation and can’t transport a large appliance or deal with a breakdown on my own. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this kind of support. |
| How long you need it and what happens afterwards | When you’ll actually stop using it; arrangements for returning, reselling, donating or collecting the appliance. | If my stay lasts longer or ends sooner than expected, I want to know what I’ll do with the appliance. Around 29% of consumers prioritise having a way to arrange its removal. |
| Local availability and space | Whether the appliance is available on the dates you need; its dimensions, door opening and access to your home. | I need an appliance that can arrive on time and fit in the space available. For around 21% of consumers, getting the right appliance straight away is the priority. |
| Condition and options if there’s a problem | Whether it works; signs of leaks and whether accessories are included; who the seller is if buying second-hand. | Before accepting a loan or buying second-hand, I want to be able to inspect the appliance and know who to contact if something goes wrong. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
To find options near you, the ADEME map shows locations where you can rent, borrow or buy second-hand. Contact the relevant location to confirm the appliance and dates: a listing on the map doesn’t guarantee availability.
HomeCycle specifies a minimum term, while Boulanger Location advertises long-term rental offers. Your contract could therefore continue after you’ve finished using the appliance.
Before signing, get written confirmation of when you can return it, cancellation terms, how breakdowns are handled and what rules apply if the appliance is damaged.
The appliances listed by a rental company and the locations shown on the ADEME map don’t confirm that a particular appliance will be available when you need it.
Before settling on an option, check that your address is covered, which model is on offer, the delivery time and access to your home.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, in particular, to second-hand goods sold by a business to a private individual. Don’t assume the same terms apply to a sale between private individuals.
Find out who the seller is, inspect the appliance if possible, and keep the listing and any messages describing its condition and accessories.
When replacing an appliance, arrange for the old one to be taken away at a time that works with your move or delivery of the new one.
If you’re buying a new equivalent appliance, ask when you place your order what collection options are available for the old one and where you’ll need to hand it over.
HomeCycle offers washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and fridges on a subscription rental basis.
Homat offers several categories of large household appliances for rent, including washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and ovens.
Boulanger Location offers long-term rental deals that include washing machines, tumble dryers and fridges.
BUT has announced a long-term rental offer for washing machines and fridges.
These worktop dishwashers and compact fridges are worth considering if you decide to buy an appliance for a small space. Before ordering, check how it will be installed and plan what you’ll do with it when your stay ends.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a worktop dishwasher that doesn’t need a fixed connection in temporary accommodation. The product name lists 8 programmes, three extra functions, a built-in water softener, a delay start and a child lock. Before buying, check the dimensions, power supply, how to fill the appliance and how the water drains away.
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Worth considering if you don’t want a permanent water connection. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. You’ll still need somewhere for the waste water to drain, so check that the location, electrical installation and delivery arrangements will work in your home.
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Compare this 45 L model with how much food you’ll need to store during your stay: it may not have enough capacity for a household’s full weekly shop. Its name mentions adjustable feet, a tempered glass shelf and an E energy rating. Check that you have enough space and plan how you’ll get rid of it when you’re finished with it.
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Worth considering if you want to buy a fridge for temporary accommodation. Its name lists an interior light, removable shelves, an adjustable thermostat, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check its capacity and dimensions before deciding whether it will fit the space you have in mind.
The ADEME responsible consumption map lets you search for local places offering rentals, loans or second-hand goods. It lists locations, not the stock of a specific appliance, so contact them to check availability and dates.
The Homat and HomeCycle catalogues include washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and fridges. Homat also lists ovens and microwaves. Check with the rental company which appliances are available at your address, along with their dimensions and delivery date.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand goods sold by a business to a private individual. For a sale between private individuals, don’t assume you have the same guarantee; check who the seller is and keep the appliance description.
If you’re replacing an old appliance, mention it when you place your order and ask the retailer what collection arrangements are available for an equivalent appliance. Confirm where and when you need to hand over the old appliance, particularly if the new one is being delivered.
Check that it works and inspect its condition before it’s handed over or used: look at the seals, filters, drawers, hoses and accessories, as well as any signs of leaks or mould. Ask how the appliance was cleaned and, if you’re renting or borrowing it, agree how its condition will be checked when you return it.