If you’re staying in student accommodation temporarily, first check which appliances are already provided. Then compare buying new, buying second-hand and renting, based on how long you’ll need them. Renting can save you the hassle of arranging transport and resale at the end of your stay, provided the contract fits your plans. Buying gives you more freedom to keep the appliance, while second-hand purchases call for particular care when checking its condition and the seller’s status.
If you have a rough idea of when your stay will end, arranging for the appliance to be collected can matter just as much as having it delivered. Compare renting with buying only after checking that the contract length fits your departure date. The National Consumer Institute presents renting as an option for setting up student accommodation, not as a solution that suits every stay.
If you can check the appliance and arrange to collect it, buying second-hand is worth considering. Also check who is selling it: the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the protections that apply when buying from a business and those that apply to a private sale.
Start by checking what’s listed in your tenancy agreement and inventory, then measure the space available. A compact appliance or one that combines several functions is only worthwhile if it meets a need you still have and can be installed in your accommodation.
For a temporary stay, first decide which appliances you’re genuinely missing, then choose how to get them. Space is still something to check, whether you’re buying new, buying second-hand or renting.
Worth considering : if you plan to keep the appliance after your studies or can arrange to move it.
Bear in mind : you’ll be responsible for transporting, storing or reselling it at the end of your stay.
Worth considering : if you can check the appliance’s condition and that it works before taking it away.
Know the difference : according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to a second-hand purchase from a business, but not to a private sale.
Worth considering : if you only need the appliance for a limited time and the services included in the contract make moving in and out easier.
Be aware : you won’t own the appliance, and you’ll need to comply with the rental period, return arrangements and the rental company’s cancellation terms.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving at the end of your stay | Make sure the contract length matches your likely departure date; check the collection arrangements and early cancellation terms. | If I’m leaving on a fairly specific date, I want to avoid arranging the resale or transport of a large appliance. Around 31% of consumers rank an easier way to end the arrangement as their top priority. |
| Choosing a second-hand appliance | Check the seller’s status; make sure the appliance works and has all its accessories before collection. | I’d rather inspect a used appliance, as long as I can assess its condition before taking it. Finding a second-hand option comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Equipping the accommodation | Compare the tenancy agreement and inventory with the appliances provided; check their condition and any available space. | Before choosing an appliance, I need to know whether one is already provided and whether I can install the one that’s missing. For around 23% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
| Available space | Measure the space and access points; check that the connections required for the appliance are available. | In a cramped studio flat, I want to keep the number of appliances down without giving up the functions I need. Around 15% of consumers prioritise a smaller footprint. |
For a furnished property rented as a main residence, the decree published on Légifrance requires, among other things, a hob, an oven or microwave, and a fridge with a freezer or freezing compartment. Buying too soon could mean duplicating appliances already provided in your accommodation.
Ask for the inventory and recent photos, then compare them with your tenancy agreement and check-in report before placing an order.
You’ll still need to remove, store or move any duplicate appliance.
A student’s departure date won’t necessarily match the end date offered by the rental company. Early cancellation or a late return may result in penalties, depending on the terms that apply. For example, BUT’s terms don’t apply to other rental companies.
Before signing, check the minimum rental period, the return process and what happens if you leave early.
The Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity covers a second-hand item sold by a business, but doesn’t apply to a private sale.
When buying from a private seller, try the appliance if possible, record its condition and accessories, and keep your messages with the seller.
When comparing rental options, check the services and obligations set out in each contract rather than assuming they’re the same from one retailer to another.
A rental service to consider if delivery, installation and collection of a large appliance could make your temporary move easier.
BUT’s long-term rental is worth considering in particular if your stay fits the rental periods offered for an eligible appliance.
Homat’s rental range gives you the option to consider appliances for laundry or a small kitchen.
These Joybuy appliances are suited to furnishing temporary accommodation or making the most of limited space. Check the inventory first: choosing a compact appliance doesn’t replace this check or the decision to buy or rent.
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Worth considering if your accommodation doesn’t already have an oven or microwave and you have a suitable space for one.
The model name indicates a power rating of 700 W, six preset programmes, eleven power levels and a defrost function. Check the plug, power supply and clearance required before installation.
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Worth considering for small loads of laundry if no washing machine is provided and your accommodation allows for the installation requirements.
The model name indicates a 1 kg washing capacity and a 0.5 kg drying capacity. Make sure these small load sizes suit your needs, and check the space and connections required.
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Worth considering if you have limited refrigeration needs, after confirming that a suitable fridge isn’t already provided.
This model is described as a 45 L table-top appliance with a tempered glass shelf. If you’re equipping furnished accommodation, check the required freezing specifications separately: the stated capacity alone doesn’t confirm that it can serve as your main fridge.
For a furnished property rented as a main residence, the decree published on Légifrance requires, among other things, a hob, an oven or microwave, and a fridge and freezer, or a compartment that can reach a temperature of −6 °C or lower. A washing machine isn’t included in this minimum list, so check your tenancy agreement and inventory to find out whether one is provided.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity doesn’t apply to a private sale, unlike a second-hand purchase from a business. That doesn’t mean you have no recourse at all. Before completing the sale, check that the appliance works and keep a record of the condition described by the seller.
Yes: when you sign, check when and where the appliance must be returned, and what condition it needs to be in. BUT says appliances covered by its contracts must be returned at the end of the rental period, but the arrangements and consequences of a late return depend on the rental company and the contract you choose.
Report the problem to your landlord and make sure it’s recorded in the check-in report. ADIL de la Moselle notes that any equipment included in the tenancy agreement must be provided in good working and repairable condition. Keep any documents describing the appliance and the fault you found.