Accommodation in Nice

Accommodation in Nice is known to be expensive and in high demand. Supply remains notably limited as the majority of housing is used for short-term holiday rentals or as second homes for city dwellers, with rental availability dropping significantly in recent years.

You might be lucky enough to have your employer provide housing options, a housing allowance, or a contract from which you can negotiate a favourable payment plan. On the other hand, you might need to secure accommodation yourself, and in these cases, there are some critical points to consider.

You may want to choose accommodation in proximity to your workplace, in an area that offers you a certain lifestyle, or in a place that makes getting around easier. Since traffic can build up in the evenings, you can avoid getting stuck for a few hours by living closer to work.

Areas and suburbs in Nice

Areas and suburbs in Nice offer distinct characteristics and atmospheres to suit different lifestyles. Naturally, moving further away from the city centre gives you a wider choice when it comes to housing options, and you need not worry about being isolated if you opt to live in a suburb of Nice. Even without a car, local bus and tram services are extensive and allow you to travel easily around the city, with most routes running every 10 to 15 minutes from early morning until late evening.

The upscale district of Cimiez attracts families with its leafy green spaces, Belle Époque architecture, and proximity to international schools. The Musicians Quarter (Quartier Musiciens) charms residents with its central location and beautiful Art Deco buildings while offering more space for your money than equivalent properties in the Carré d’Or.

If safety is your priority, consider Mont Boron, Fabron, and the Promenade des Anglais areas, which are known for their safe environments. For a true Mediterranean experience, Vieux Nice (Old Town) offers historic charm with its narrow, colourful streets, although apartments tend to be smaller in these older buildings. The Port district has become increasingly popular, with numerous development projects making it a lively spot for expats seeking proximity to both city life and seaside views.

Types of accommodation in Nice

Apartments

If you’re looking to live close to the action in the centre of the city, the Old Town, or along the port, space is at a premium in these areas, so you are likely to be limited to smaller apartments within older complexes. Many of these older buildings in Nice won’t have elevators and other amenities. As you move further away from these sought-after areas, you are likely to find larger, more modern apartments with features like air conditioning, balconies, and updated kitchens that might not be available in historic properties.

Houses

If you’re moving to Nice with a family or looking for more spacious accommodation, you’ll need to look at the suburbs of Nice. Here, you’ll find more spacious houses, many of which will come with a decent-sized garden. Houses in popular suburbs such as Fabron and Cimiez provide a fair number of reasonably priced options while offering a calm and secure environment. Family-friendly areas like Mont Boron also feature houses with good access to educational and cultural facilities.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Nice. The contract terms differ – furnished properties usually have one-year contracts, while unfurnished properties come with three-year renewable contracts. Most apartments in the centre of the city are furnished, but not all apartments have air conditioning, an oven, or a washer and dryer. Furnished options are typically around one-fifth more expensive and more likely to be available for short-term rental.

Unfurnished accommodation rarely includes appliances such as a fridge or stove. Depending on the length of your stay and budget, you might choose to ship your furniture over. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the variety of options available within Nice, like modern furniture shops and antique markets all over town and by the port.

Finding accommodation in Nice

Finding accommodation in Nice offers several resources for your apartment search. Before starting your hunt, you should keep in mind that you’ll need to learn about the different kinds of properties that will be available.

Pièces refers to the total number of rooms, and chambres refers to the number of bedrooms. So, a 2-pièce, 1-chambre listing would mean a one-bedroom apartment with a salon or kitchen.

If you don’t have time to go apartment hunting or would like assistance, leasing agencies can be a helpful option. The main property agencies in France are called agences immobilieres, and many expats prefer using them, especially for first-time rentals. Several agencies specialise in helping international clients and can accept foreign guarantors to smooth the process.

Agencies can give you a better idea of the types of apartments available in the city and can even provide tours. These service providers usually charge a finder’s fee that is equivalent to one month’s rent. The finder’s fee does not include the cost of the security deposit that is due upon moving in. Most apartments charge a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent, but some can ask for up to three months’ rent.

Useful links

• SeLoger: Rentals In Nice
• LeBonCoin: Local Classified Ads

Renting accommodation in Nice

Renting accommodation in Nice requires you to consider several factors, whether you’re searching for a place to live alone or with the help of an agency. Key considerations include the length of the lease, utilities, and the current condition of the apartment.

Making an application

When seeking accommodation in Nice, you’ll need to act swiftly once you find a place because of the fierce competition and high demand in the city. Listings can be taken down minutes after going up. The rental market in Nice has seen supply decrease by over 60 percent in recent years, making the search even more challenging.

Making a good impression with a prospective landlord can be the difference between signing a lease and having to continue your search, especially when there are dozens of other eager candidates. Come prepared with all the necessary documents so you can get the ball rolling as swiftly as possible. These typically include proof of identity, proof of income (last three months’ pay slips), proof of employment (permanent contracts preferred), proof of current address, and bank account details for rent payments.

Leases

Standard leases in France are generally for 12 months. It is possible to negotiate shorter leases directly with the landlord, but most property owners are reluctant to do so. Leases can vary depending on the landlord and usually require one month’s notice before moving out.

The law in France mostly favours the tenant, meaning that eviction or raising the rent can be a difficult task for a landlord. A letter must be sent to the tenant at least six months before a rental increase. The landlord also has to show that the rental increase is in line with the market value of the property.

Deposits

The deposit for an apartment is usually one month’s rent, with the expectation that you will pay two months’ rent in advance in addition to this. When viewing an apartment, you should make sure to note any issues or changes that will need to be made before moving in. It is also necessary to have home insurance in France, whether buying or renting. Insurance can be purchased at a bank and will vary on a case-by-case basis. A copy of the lease and proof of address are usually required. If the inventory shows no damage upon your departure, the full deposit should be returned.

Terminating the lease

When terminating your lease in Nice, you’re generally required to give at least one month’s notice for furnished properties and three months for unfurnished ones. Your notice should be sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, via a bailiff’s notice, or by a letter delivered in person and signed for. If you’re terminating before the end of your lease period, check your contract carefully, as there may be penalties unless you’re leaving for specific reasons such as a new job or health issues.

Renting Accommodation in France

Utilities in Nice

When signing a lease, you should be sure to read the paperwork carefully in order to understand what is included in the rental price. Some rentals include utilities like electricity, heating, cable television and internet, but you are typically responsible for paying your own utility bills.

Electricity and gas

Setting up electricity in Nice means choosing between providers since the market liberalisation in 2007. The main suppliers include EDF (Électricité de France), Engie, TotalEnergies, and Eni. EDF remains the traditional provider but no longer has a monopoly. The setup process requires your rental contract, identification, and sometimes a French bank account. Many providers offer both gas and electricity with discounts for bundled services, so it’s worth shopping around for the best rates.

Gas service in Nice is typically provided by companies such as Engie (formerly GDF Suez) and other major energy suppliers that also offer electricity. Many newer apartments use electric heating and cooking, making gas unnecessary in some properties. If your accommodation requires gas, a connection typically takes one to two weeks to arrange, so plan ahead when moving into a new property. Most suppliers offer online account management and paperless billing options for convenience.

Water

Water services in Nice are managed by Eau d’Azur, the metropolitan public water company established in 2013 after the city municipalised its water services. In apartment buildings, water charges are often included in your monthly building fees (charges).

If you’re responsible for your own water bill, you’ll need to contact the company directly to set up an account using your lease agreement and identification. Water quality in Nice is generally excellent, and you can drink tap water without concerns.

Bins and recycling

Nice has an organised waste management system with specific days for different types of collection. Recycling bins (yellow) are for paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals, while green or grey bins are for general waste.

Glass must be deposited in special collection points throughout the city. Large items need special collection, which you can arrange by calling the metropolitan service.

Collection schedules can be obtained from the local town hall or their website. Waste collection is paid for through the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM) and is included in property tax.

Utilities and Internet in France

Useful links

• Electricity and gas: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and Eni
• Water: Eau d’Azur
• Bins and recycling: Nice Côte d’Azur Waste Collection