What is SmartGarant?
SmartGarant is a rental guarantee solution designed for students, work-study students, young professionals and employees who don't have a physical guarantor or whose application needs strengthening.
The principle is simple: SmartGarant acts as guarantor to the landlord for the entire duration of the lease. In the event of unpaid rent or damage covered by the contract, the landlord benefits from additional protection.
This guarantee thus allows applicants to increase their chances of securing housing, even when they don't have a family guarantor.
SmartGarant works with many landlords, student residences and real-estate professionals to secure rentals while simplifying administrative procedures.
How does SmartGarant work?
SmartGarant works in a fairly simple way.
Building and reviewing the file
The tenant creates their file online and submits the requested documents. Depending on their situation, several supporting documents may be required:
- a valid ID document
- proof of enrolment or a certificate of registration
- an employment contract or internship agreement, depending on the profile
- proof of income, or that of the people contributing to funding the housing
- information about the housing being sought
Once the file is submitted, the SmartGarant teams analyse it to check its eligibility. The more complete the file, the faster it is processed.
These documents are also used to build a housing file on CLOÉ, which lets students reuse the same documents for their booking procedures and their housing-aid applications.
Getting the guarantee
When the file is approved, SmartGarant issues a guarantee certificate that the tenant can pass on to the landlord or the estate agency.
This document is proof that the landlord benefits from a guarantee in the event of unpaid rent, which considerably strengthens the applicant's file.
Signing the lease
Once the application is accepted, the lease can be signed under more relaxed conditions for both parties.
The landlord has additional security while the student can more easily access the desired housing.
Why do so many students use SmartGarant?
Finding housing without a guarantor is today one of the main difficulties students face. Many landlords require a solid guarantee before accepting a rental application.
SmartGarant addresses this problem by offering a rental guarantee solution recognised by many real-estate professionals.
This solution is particularly appreciated for several reasons:
- a fully online sign-up
- a fast review of the file
- a guarantee recognised by a wide network of landlords and estate agencies
- a solution accessible to French and international students
- support throughout the process
Thanks to SmartGarant, students can present a more reassuring file to landlords and increase their chances of quickly securing housing.
How much does SmartGarant cost?
The cost of SmartGarant depends mainly on the amount of rent and the tenant's profile.
The price is calculated individually when the guarantee is requested.
Before any subscription, SmartGarant communicates the exact amount so that the applicant knows the cost of the guarantee before committing.
In return, this guarantee can provide access to housing that would have been difficult to obtain without a guarantor.
Which types of housing are eligible?
The SmartGarant guarantee can be used for many types of housing, including:
- student studios
- T1, T2 and larger apartments
- flatshares
- student residences
- furnished housing
- unfurnished (empty) housing
- housing listed by partner estate agencies
- some housing listed by private landlords, provided they accept the SmartGarant guarantee
In which cities is SmartGarant used most?
SmartGarant is available throughout France thanks to its network of real-estate partners. The service is particularly present in the major student cities where housing demand is high, notably:
Whatever your study plans or mobility, SmartGarant can support you in your housing search with many partner landlords and agencies.
SmartGarant for landlords
For landlords, SmartGarant represents genuine security.
By accepting a tenant who benefits from a SmartGarant guarantee, the landlord reduces the financial risk linked to potential unpaid rent.
The main advantages are:
- better protection of rental income
- stronger rental files
- a reduced risk of unpaid rent
- faster letting of the property
This guarantee also allows landlords to broaden their selection of applicants, particularly among international students or young professionals who don't have a personal guarantor.
The advantages of SmartGarant
For students
SmartGarant makes access to housing easier, even when no family guarantor is available. Among its main advantages:
- a strengthened file with landlords
- a fully online sign-up
- a fast response once the file is approved
- a solution suited to both French and international students
- a guarantee recognised by many partner landlords
This solution also saves precious time during the housing search, especially in cities where demand is very high.
For young professionals
Young professionals, work-study students or employees on probation often face the same difficulties as students.
SmartGarant allows them to reassure landlords and increase their chances of quickly securing housing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is SmartGarant mandatory?
No. The SmartGarant guarantee is not mandatory. However, some landlords may require a rental guarantee before accepting an application.
Does SmartGarant replace a physical guarantor?
Yes, in many cases. SmartGarant allows the tenant to present a professional guarantee when they don't have a family guarantor.
Can international students use SmartGarant?
Yes. SmartGarant is also intended for foreign students wishing to rent housing in France.
Can SmartGarant be used for a flatshare?
Yes. The guarantee can be used for different types of housing, including some flatshares, subject to the landlord's conditions.
How long does it take to get a response?
The timeframe depends on how complete the file is and the checks required. A complete file generally speeds up processing.
Is SmartGarant accepted everywhere in France?
Yes. The solution is used throughout France thanks to its network of real-estate partners.