Housing in Exchange for Services Wanted in Paris and Île-de-France

What is a request for housing in exchange for services in Paris?

A request for housing in exchange for services in Paris is a listing posted by someone looking to be hosted in return for regular help to their host. It is not a standard tenancy: no rent is paid, the home being the counterpart to the services agreed in advance between both parties. These requests come mainly from students, young professionals, people retraining and newcomers across Paris and Île-de-France.

The help most often offered by candidates:

• Childcare (school pick-ups, homework help, occasional babysitting)
• Senior support (companionship, presence, help getting to appointments)
• Cleaning and home upkeep
• Overnight presence and company
• Administrative or IT help
• Private tutoring, homework support or language practice

Who posts a request for housing in exchange for services in Paris?

The typical profile is someone with time and skills to offer but a limited housing budget. In Paris, where a studio rents on average for between €750 and €1,200 per month, the arrangement mainly attracts:

• students who want to live in Paris without paying full rent;
• young professionals at the start of their career;
• people retraining or in training;
• newcomers and expats who want to settle in quickly.

On the other side, Parisian hosts — families, older people, professionals who are often away — browse these requests to find a reliable presence or regular help, without the constraints of a standard employment contract.

How do you write a good request for housing in exchange for services?

A clear, reassuring request gets more replies. State:

• the help you can genuinely provide and your weekly availability;
• your situation (student, in training, working) and the length of stay you are looking for;
• the area you would like in Paris or Île-de-France;
• a few reassurances (references, past childcare or support experience).

To focus on a specific area, use the district or town filter on this page — Val-de-Marne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and beyond. If you would rather pay rent, you can also browse housing-in-exchange-for-services offers in Paris or our rooms for rent in Paris.

Requests for housing in exchange for services and the legal framework in Paris

The information below is general and does not constitute legal advice. In France, housing in exchange for services does not fall under a standard lease (the law of 6 July 1989) but under a civil-law agreement between the parties. A few useful points before committing:

• the resident does not have the protections of a standard tenant (no statutory notice period);
• the services rendered must not conceal a disguised employment relationship, which would expose both parties to reclassification;
• a written agreement setting out the services, hours and termination conditions protects both parties.

Post a request or browse the offers in Paris

Looking to be hosted in return for regular help? Describe your profile and availability, then post your own housing-in-exchange-for-services request — signing up and posting are at no cost. Are you a host or a Parisian family? Browse the requests below and contact candidates directly, or post your own housing-in-exchange-for-services offer.

Frequently asked questions about requests for housing in exchange for services in Paris

How can I improve my chances of finding housing in exchange for services in Paris?

Make your listing count: describe exactly what help you offer, your availability and your reliability, add references where possible and reply quickly to hosts. A complete, reassuring request clearly stands out.

Which services do Parisian hosts look for most?

Childcare, senior support and cleaning are among the most common needs, followed by evening presence, private tutoring and administrative help. Highlighting these skills improves your chances.

Does it cost anything to post a request?

No. Signing up and posting a request on ColocationsParis.com are at no cost. You then deal directly with hosts, with no intermediary.

Should the agreement be put in writing?

It is strongly recommended. A cohabitation agreement detailing the services, the weekly hours, the days of work and the termination conditions protects both the host and the resident.